PCI holds Regional Sport Training to mark 6th Paralympic Story celebration
PCI holds Regional Sport Training to mark 6th Paralympic Story celebration
BENGALURU: Continuing its effort to develop the Movement in the country, the Paralympic Committee of India (IPC) along with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) successfully hosted the Regional Sport Training (RST) in Bengaluru from April 30 to May 2, as part of the sixth edition of Paralympic Story.
The Regional Sport Training, instructed by World Para Athletics National Technical Official Dave Jessett, is an initiative under the NPC Development Programme supported by the IPC’s worldwide partnership with Toyota. It was held in co-operation with World Para Athletics and Badminton World Federation.
The training witnessed over 90 participants from 12 countries from the Asian region including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India.
The programme, held just days ahead of the much-anticipated 5th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship 2023, was aimed to increase opportunities for athletes, coaches, technical officials, and classifiers to develop their full potential, participate at the highest training level and contribute to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.
“It will be essential that the experiences and tools that all participants acquire during their training are shared with their fellow athletes and NPC colleagues,” said Jessett. During the three-day training programme, five courses were offered to the participants that included National Technical Official Course (World Para Athletics), Para athletics training camp (including Proud Paralympian) and coaching course, Disability Coaching Course Level 1 and National Classifier Course Level 1 by BWF.
‘Platform to bring together all stakeholders’
“We are delighted to see the participation and keenness of the participants at the Regional Sport Training. The training was held as part of our Paralympic Story, which is a platform to bring together all the stakeholders of the Paralympic Movement. It provides a unique opportunity for showcasing the growth of para sports and various persons and organisations working in the area,” said Dr. Deepa Malik, President of PCI.
Among others gracing the 6th edition of Paralympic Story were: Ms. Sminu Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd. and the Founder Chairperson of Svayam; Gursharan Singh, PCI secretary general, Prabhakar Rao, Chairman Para Badminton India, Satyanarayana, Chief National Para Athletics coach, among others.
Ms. Jindal said that “accessible transport and infrastructure are essential components of ensuring that sports are inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities”.
“By removing barriers to participation, we can help promote physical activity, build communities, and improve the quality of life for everyone. As an accessibility partner, Svayam is working with the Paralympic Committee of India to make facilities accessible, provide accessible transportation, and train staff to create sports environments that are welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” she added.
India’s first accessibility organisation Svayam provided accessible transport during the event to all the International & National players participating in the event. Svayam also donated a fully accessible modified Tata Winger to PCI for the ease of use for players and coaches with reduced mobility.
