Siya Sarode’s journey from being an orphan to an international medals-winning special athlete is nothing short of a remarkable ride.
Despite facing adversities, Siya refused to let her circumstances define her future. She found solace in her dreams and pursued her passion for athletics with determination. Despite limited resources, Siya practiced and excelled both in sports and academics.
Siya clinched gold medals in deadlifts and squats events. Adding to her kitty, a silver in a combined category and a bronze medal in bench press, made her haul of 4 medals the best for a Goan special athlete at the Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023. With her talent and determination, she has proven her worth as a valuable asset to the country.
“Siya has overcome all odds and challenges to achieve her dreams of becoming a para-athlete. She has not only brought glory and pride to our nation by winning four medals at the Berlin Summer Special Olympics but also shown us that nothing is impossible when you have a strong will and a positive attitude. She is a role model and an inspiration for all of us, especially for those who face difficulties in life,” said Guruprasad R. Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa.
Hailing from Goa’s Sanjay Centre for Special Education, Curchorem, Siya’s journey has been marked by adversity. She encountered obstacles while arranging the necessary legal guardian documents to travel to Berlin. However, with the intervention of the Chief Minister’s Office, the Sanguem girl obtained the required visa just in time to participate in the Berlin Games.
” Siya has also shown us the true spirit of Special Olympics, which is to celebrate diversity and inclusion. She is a champion and a leader for all the special athletes in India. I applaud her for her outstanding performance and wish her more success in the future,” said National Sports Director of Special Olympics Bharat, Victor Vaz.
