21 Apr 2024  |   06:48am IST

State Commissioner for PwDs urges SAG to provide equal opportunities for special children in sportazs activities

Team Herald

PANJIM: The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has taken proactive steps towards ensuring equal opportunities for the children with special needs to participate in sporting activities.

 Recaently, the Commissioner’s office received a letter from the District Early Intervention Centre at Hospicio Hospital, Margao, urging the appointment of coaches for children with special needs at the government swimming pools and the indoor stadiums. This correspondence was directed to the Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa, Bambolim.

 In response to this appeal, the Director of Coaching at 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.

 Speaking to O Heraldo, Director Coaching Bruno Countinho said, “If special training is provided to the coaches then we will be able to offer the services as required. Otherwise it is up to the government to hire the staff for the special athletes.”

 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.