In a remarkable step towards fostering inclusion and equality, Rotary International District 3170, with the support of the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Goa, Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal Charitable Trust in collaboration with the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa; announced the launch of ‘Stride for Equality – Run for Inclusion’, scheduled to take place on 20th December 2025 in Panaji.
The event will serve as a flagship Rotary initiative in alignment with the Rotary International Theme 2025–26, “Unite for Good”, the Rotary International District 3170 Theme, “Creating Legacy”, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities.
The announcement was made on the occasion of 7th Charter celebration of the Rotary club of Bardez Coastal in the presence of Taha Haziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities & President- Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal, Ramesh Tiwari Assistant Governor, Rotary District 3170, Pass District Governor, Dr.Joshan Fernandes other Rotarians and representatives from the disability sector.
The initiative marks a first-of-its-kind inclusive run aimed at promoting equality, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities, while inspiring communities to come together for a shared cause of inclusion.
Speaking about the initiative, Taha Haziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa and President, Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal, said, “The ‘Stride for Equality – Run for Inclusion’ is not merely a marathon, but a movement that reflects our collective commitment to inclusion. Together, we can build a Goa where everyone—regardless of ability—has the right to participate, contribute, and be celebrated.”
Arun Bandari, District Governor, Rotary District 3170, expressed his pride in supporting the cause, stating, “Rotary has always stood for service above self. Through ‘Stride for Equality,’ we are reaffirming our dedication to empowering persons with disabilities and spreading the message that inclusion begins with awareness and participation. “This initiative reflects Rotary’s inclusive spirit. We are thrilled to collaborate with partners and the community to create an event that encourages empathy, unity, and equal opportunity for all.”
The event is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from people across all walks of life—persons with disabilities, fitness enthusiasts, youth groups, and advocates of inclusivity.
Registration for the event is open till 5th December 2025, with participants receiving a T-shirt, participation certificate, and breakfast on the event day.
For registration and participation details, interested individuals can register through the link: https://forms.gle/vCWvNtyNNXd49Ld3A
Project Coordinator: Anil Varshney — +91 93250 29962
Inclusion Coordinator: Jamila Haaziq — +91 99754 92811.
