Swimming competition held for the differently abled youth2 min read
Manipal: For the first time in Manipal, a state level swimming competition was organised for the mentally disabled youth on February 8 at the Manipal Institute of Technology swimming pool, as a part of Baandhavya.
Children suffering from Down’s Syndrome and those who were mentally disabled, took part in 33m and 66m races, for all the different strokes, according to their age categories.
The winner of the gold in 66 m(freestyle and backstroke) for men(18 years+ category) , Kushal G Duth, has previously received a gold and silver medal at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games 2013 held in Newcastle, Australia. Also trained in Photoshop and Corel Draw, he is currently training as a store assistant at the Chancery Hotel in Bangalore. He said, “I am currently training for the World Summer Games 2015, to be held in Los Angeles. It is my dream to achieve more.”
Lizaba I. Deepak, won the gold medal in the 66m freestyle for women (15-17 category). At the Special Olympics Australia 2013, Lizaba won a gold and bronze medal. She is currently pursuing her 10th standard in Flow Special School, Bangalore.
Dr Vijaya Ballal, Trustee of Archana Trust, Dr Nandini Lakshmikantha, Director of School of Communication and several other dignitaries graced the occasion which was hosted by Mr Jai Vittal, Estate Officer, Manipal University.
