New Delhi: It was a bright sunny day. The weather was very pleasant and it was an ideal day for kids and children to go out there play and enjoy their god-gifted life. On this bright day Amar Jyoti School, Karkadooma organized a full-fledged sports event at Yamuna Sports Complex where physically-abled and disabled children of more than 15 Non Government Organizations participated in various events like Tug-o-war, musical chair, banana race, 50 meter race, flat race etc. Their motive was not winning but participation, interaction and enjoyment.
Among all these organizations, there were few who stood out as one of the most inspiring one. A 14-year-old child of Jagriti Vocational Institute though could not win any event, but he had the attitude and spirit of a sportsperson. His name is Gagan Gupta and it was his keep trying hard spirit which makes him a clear winner.
His physical disability might not allow him to walk, stand and run like a physically-abled child but this was hardly a deterrent for him. For a child as young as 14 loosing a sporting event is never a happy feeling. But for Gagan the very fact that he participated and had fun gave him great joy.
He said, “I really enjoyed the banana race event and despite loosing I would love participate again and again.”
His father Subhash Gupta was also present at that event was very happy of the fact that his son participated and enjoyed. He expressed his feelings by quoting that it did not matter you win or lose but it was important that you participated and my son has done a great job by participating.
The coach of the Jagriti Vocational Institute Anju was also present with seven other children of her institute at the event said this is the first time our children are participating in sporting events and they are enjoying every second time they spent here.
One more NGO which was doing a remarkable job was Deepalaya. An organization which works for BPL kids, kids of streets and slum area who cannot lead a normal life of a child because of poverty. In this NGO the children are not only taught or given vocational but are also encouraged to participate him in different sporting events like these. The coach of the Deepalaya organization Sangamitra Banerjee said our focus is all round development of children.
The event as a whole was a big success according to Seema Tuli, Principal of Amar Jyoti School. She said, “Our objective was to bring physically abled as well as disabled children together and motivate them to participate and enjoy together. Participating in such events not only gives them excitement but also makes them feel that they are capable of doing anything and everything.”
From seeing these kids showing the spirit of sportsmanship, one can sum up that sports is a secret to a healthy nation. And if anyone dreams to fly and touch the sky you do not need wings for that it is the will and the spirit which can make you fly. These kids, despite their difficulties, have the will and spirit to fly and touch the sky.
By Vivek Prabhakar Singh
Photos: Hridi P Mahanta
