The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has taken proactive steps towards ensuring equal opportunities for children with special needs to participate in sporting activities. Recently, the Commissioner’s office received a letter from District Early Intervention Centre at Hospicio Hospital Margao, urging the appointment of coaches for children with special needs at Government swimming pools and the Indoor stadium. This correspondence was directed to the Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, Bambolim Goa.
In response to this appeal, the Director of Coaching at the Sports Authority of Goa expressed the unavailability of coaches to train children with special needs. Consequently, a hearing was convened on December 28, 2023, where the matter was extensively discussed. It was unanimously agreed upon during the hearing to appoint coaches specifically for children with special needs, aligning with the mandates of Section 30 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, emphasised: “Ensuring inclusive sports participation is not just a matter of rights, but of dignity and well-being. By providing equal opportunities for children with special needs to engage in sports, we are fostering a more inclusive society where every individual can thrive.”
Section 30 of the RPWD Act emphasises the importance of ensuring effective participation in sporting activities for persons with disabilities. It outlines measures for restructuring courses, redesigning infrastructure, developing technology, and allocating funds to facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sporting events.
In accordance with the RPWD Act and recognising sports as a fundamental right for persons with disabilities, the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has issued an order recommending the Sports Authority of Goa to expedite the appointment of coaches for children with special needs. This directive aims to prevent any inconvenience to the children and uphold their right to participate in sports activities.
Here is a look back at Goa State Para-Athletics Championship conducted in December last year. It
was conducted after a gap of 12 years.
