In the light of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Special Olympics Bharat organized the National Health Fest for persons with intellectual disabilities. On 7th April, World Health Day, 10,000 intellectually challenged athletes will get screened by specially trained health professionals under this event.
“National Health Fest for Divyangjan- We Care” would screen several athletes under three disciplines, Dental, Eye examination, and Prevention and Nutrition. Around 750 volunteers are involved in the screening process, supported by 500 non-clinical volunteers and 7-8 medical institutes from around the areas of Ahmedabad.
The Press Conference of Special Olympics Bharat National Health Fest for Divyangjan took place on 6th April 2022 in Ahmedabad. Several personalities of the organization, including Deepak Natali, President, and Managing Director of Asia Pacific, were present.
Niren Patel, the Special athlete leader of SO Bharat, gave the welcome address. Patel, a table tennis player, has brought back flying colors to India by winning a silver medal in Asia Pacific Games 2013, organized in Sydney, Australia. He narrated his heartwarming story, thanked SO Bharat, and welcomed all the guests to the event.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of SO Bharat, said, “The purpose is to renovate a platform for these special athletes. It is also to motivate them in all ways possible and provide financial aid to the athletes and their families. SO Bharat focuses on sports, health, school, and youth management for challenged athletes.”
“COVID-19 has affected the special athletes more than any other group of people. From a health care point of view, SO Bharat wants to leave no stone unturned for these athletes. These athletes deserve proper inclusion and renewal in the field of sports. It would enable them to proceed towards a normal life.”, she added.
Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Chief Health Officer, SOI, USA, informed the media on various health perspectives on the health issues of athletes. She said, “The life expectancy of mentally challenged people is reduced by 20 years because of their health condition. We can transform this situation by detecting the mental disability and proceeding with its treatment.”
Watch Dr. Alicia Bazzano have a conversation with Team VOI.
After the medical screenings of the athletes, the event will witness a closing ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium from 5:30 PM-7 PM. The event will be presided by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, with other distinguished personalities.
