2nd District level games for the Deaf and Mute children

Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline in collaboration with All J&K Sports Association for the Deaf organized two days 2nd District level games for the Deaf and Mute children on 4th to 7th April 2019 at Government Boys Degree college Anantnag. The event was formally inaugurated by the Principal Government degree college Anantnag, Professor Basheer Ahmad Rather. In the inaugural session principal Degree College boys Anantnag had one to one interaction with the athletes who were Hearing and speech disabled persons. In his speech Mr. Basher said that college infrastructure is open for all types of activities that empower and build the capacity of the persons with disabilities. He advised the students of the college to see the ability of children and not the disability. The other dignitaries present in the event include President All J&K Sports of The deaf, Zonal Sports officer Anantnag and Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline Bijbehara.

Scores of children facing the hearing and speech disabilities participated in various games like Julienne throw, race and badminton. Mr Basher while addressing participants stated that the deaf children who were once abandoned and treated badly in society due to communication barrier are now part of such sport events only because of the efforts of Humanity Welfare organization Helpline Bijbehara and we should support and cooperate with such organization who are willing to work for the betterment of disabled population, He added.

Zonal Youth sports officer Anantnag said that the department will keep no stone unturned to empower children with all types of disabilities. We will create inclusion of athletes with disabilities by giving them opportunities to play with enabled children. He appreciated the Participants with hearing disabilities enrolled in Zaiba Aapa institute of inclusive Education Bijbehara and government schools of district Anantnag.

Javed Ahmad Tak founder of Humanity welfare and the organizer of the event for the deaf emphasized that the government shall pay heed towards the inclusive sports for the children with disabilities. There are barriers and hurdles in the stadiums and playgrounds that keep the children with disabilities away from playgrounds. These hurdles need to be removed by creating accessibility and inclusion, Tak added. He said that sports and other cultural events are itself kind of awareness regarding disability. These events need to be organized again and again to aware general masses towards the rights and capacities of persons with disabilities. The children with disabilities are full of capacities but the need of the hour is to flourish, expose and utilize their potential. We should not suspect or discriminate the persons with disabilities but encourage them to be part of all the activities, Tak said.

President All J&K Sports Association for the Deaf, Mrs. Rehana said that it was not possible for the association to extend the activities for the Deaf in district Anantnag, but cordial and honest efforts of Chairman Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara Anantnag made it possible. It is second time we organized the games here and the efforts will continue in future, Rehana added.

The two day event was concluded on 6th September 2018 and games like chess, carom, and tug of war were part of the event children were involved in. The valedictory function was held in college premises under the chair of Deputy Commissioner Anantnag in presence of Social Welfare Officer District Anantnag.