The first-ever Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition is set to begin in New Delhi at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex. This event marks India's debut in Bocce and Bowling, empowering athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aged 22 and above. The competition will run from November 19 to November 22, featuring athletes from 12 countries.
Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony, which will showcase India's cultural diversity through performances and a ceremonial march-past by participating countries. The event will see 81 special athletes competing, assisted by 43 coaches. Countries participating include Australia, Bangladesh, Bharat, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
Mallika Nadda, President of SO Bharat, expressed honor in hosting the event, emphasizing the commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. The competition aims to inspire and promote inclusion, unity, and sportsmanship.
Bocce and Bowling are ideal for older individuals with intellectual disabilities, combining low-impact activity with skill and precision. The event incorporates modified rules and equipment to accommodate athletes with physical limitations, enhancing accessibility and participation.
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Inclusive Health Summit highlighted health equity for PWIDs in India. The Healthy Athletes Program will provide essential health screenings for over 400 athletes, promoting overall wellness.
Special Olympics is a global organization that provides sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities. It helps them develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
Asia Pacific is a region that includes countries in Asia and the Pacific Ocean. It is a large area with many different cultures and languages.
Bocce is a sport similar to bowling, where players try to throw balls close to a smaller target ball. It is a fun game that can be played by people of all ages and abilities.
Bowling is a sport where players roll a heavy ball to knock down pins. It is played in a bowling alley and is popular for both fun and competition.
Thyagaraj Sports Complex is a large sports facility in New Delhi, India. It hosts various sports events and competitions.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities are conditions that affect a person's ability to learn and develop skills. People with these disabilities may need extra support to participate in activities.
Jagdeep Dhankhar is the Vice-president of India. He is an important leader who helps in the governance of the country.
Inclusion means making sure everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate and feel welcome. It is about treating everyone equally and with respect.
Health equity means everyone has a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible. It involves removing barriers that prevent people from achieving good health.
Mallika Nadda is the President of SO Bharat, which is the Special Olympics organization in India. She works to support and empower people with disabilities through sports.
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