Svayam Partners with PCI for Paris Paralympics 2024
The Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) has announced that Svayam will be the new accessibility partner for the Paris Paralympics 2024. The event, scheduled from 28th August to 8th September 2024, will feature over 4,000 athletes from around the world competing in 22 different sports.
Svayam’s Role
Svayam, a long-time collaborator with PCI, will provide accessible transportation and conduct access audits of hotels and buildings where the Indian Para Contingent will stay in New Delhi. They have also donated a fully modified accessible vehicle to PCI to enhance mobility for para-players.
Statement from Sminu Jindal
Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Being the Accessibility Partner is both an honor and a responsibility. Our partnership continues to break down barriers and promote dignity and independence for people with reduced mobility. This year too Svayam will ensure that the dignity of para-players hailing from across the country is not compromised. We are dedicated to creating an equitable environment where every player can focus on their performance without worrying about accessibility. We look forward to more such opportunities in the future.”
Pramod Bhagat’s Suspension
Earlier in the day, Indian para shuttler Pramod Bhagat was suspended for 18 months for breaching the Badminton World Federation (BWF) anti-doping regulations. Bhagat had a successful run in the Para World Championships 2024, winning a gold and two bronze medals. The Indian contingent overall won 18 medals, including three gold, four silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Doubts Revealed
Svayam -: Svayam is an organization that works to make places and transportation easier to use for people with disabilities.
PCI -: PCI stands for the Paralympics Committee of India, which is the group that organizes India’s participation in the Paralympic Games.
Paris Paralympics 2024 -: The Paris Paralympics 2024 is a big sports event where athletes with disabilities from all over the world will compete in Paris, France.
Accessibility partner -: An accessibility partner helps make sure that places and services are easy to use for people with disabilities.
Access audits -: Access audits are checks to see if places and services are easy for people with disabilities to use.
Sminu Jindal -: Sminu Jindal is the person who started and leads Svayam, the organization helping with accessibility.
Pramod Bhagat -: Pramod Bhagat is an Indian athlete who plays badminton and has won many medals in para sports.
Suspended -: Suspended means that Pramod Bhagat is not allowed to compete in sports for a certain time because he broke some rules.
Anti-doping regulations -: Anti-doping regulations are rules to make sure athletes do not use unfair drugs to improve their performance.
