CHENNAI: Hours of difficult paintings and years of training paid off for the 21 stars who arrived at Chennai airport from Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It is not the medals but the experience of belonging that they skilled — being with a decided organization of sportspersons at the Special Olympics 2019, held from March 14 to 21 — which made their day. “Gokul Srinivasan is a tough competitor. After growing interest in swimming, he commenced displaying lesser signs and symptoms of fatigue than regular.
With 2 hundred in line with cent determination, he worked tough to clinch gold in 1,500 meters and silver in 800 meters,” says Gokul’s brother Abhishek, who became instrumental in his 15-12 months-old siblings’ achievements. Gokul has autism spectrum disease. After three tries over 12 years, Arti Krishnamoorthy made it to the Indian contingent and gained bronze in swimming. Although his son Chitharthan made it to the Olympics, Thirumalai from Madurai criticizes the country government for having taken little to no attempt to get hold of and realize the athletes. “Not many represent India inside the cycling occasion.
While Dinesh gained bronze in the 5 km street race, my son completed fourth. Language is a barrier for those athletes, who are divided into organizations based totally on their capabilities. As they are now not fluent in Hindi, they grow to be in excessive-degree classes,” he says. “Special abilities in Tamil Nadu have come to be invisible in the government’s eyes. Unlike the Himachal Pradesh and Haryana governments, the national government right here has no longer been supportive of special athletes.
When athletes expressed their interest to satisfy the Madurai collector before leaving for the games, his personal assistant avoided the request pronouncing that he (collector) became too busy for pics,” he says. The Madurai collector turned into unavailable for the remark. Divya Bharathi, a 22-12 months-vintage with an intellectual incapacity, was considered one of six athletes from Bethshan Special School, Madurai, representing India in badminton. “Gold medal (singles) silver medal (doubles) I was given. Very very satisfied (sic),” she says and joins her fellow athletes for an image.
Behind each, a hit Olympic champion is another champion, believes VK Power Palani, a countrywide gold medallist in powerlifting, from Chennai. “Twenty-three-year-vintage VS Abhishek, who has a learning incapacity, allowed me to come to be a unique instruct and constitute India at Abu Dhabi. India has gained the most medals in powerlifting, and Abishek has made a large contribution through bagging four silver medals,” he says. Paul Devasagayam, the Special Olympics Bharath area director, is the person behind the display screen of every athlete’s achievement tale. From constructing self-assurance to enhancing their Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Paul’s contribution to their increase is mammoth.
Calling the attention of the authorities, he says, “Special athletes triumph over many hurdles to get to the Olympics. Though they had been dealt with like kings and queens in Abu Dhabi, it is unhappy that no sports authority or PwD officer acquired them. The state authorities need to acknowledge their efforts.” Proud of his self-stimulated athletes and pupils, basketball coach Vinodh from Puducherry says, “Jagadeshwari (unified football) and Karthik Raja (unified basketball) gave their satisfaction. Their willpower and difficult paintings inspire me to teach more unique athletes.”
