Swimming competition held for the differently abled youth

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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 event was the organised by ASARE – a special children’s home, school and rehabilitation center, and the Sports and Cultural Academy for Differently Abled (SACADA), with support from Manipal University. Vasanth Kumar Shetty, Executive Director of SACADA, said, “During Bandhavya 2012, which is an athletics event for the mentally disabled youth, we thought of including a swimming competition as well. The winners of today’s competition will be considered to represent India internationally.” Though he congratulated ASARE for all its efforts, he also complained about the government’s lack of support for the cause.

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 10^th 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.