Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 22: It is a proud moment for J&K state as Aakriti Gupta represented Special Olympics Bharat, J&K in Singapore for Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP) Families and Sibling's Engagement Workshop along with families and siblings from Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, and DC, USA. Aakriti's selection was finalised after multiple rounds of interviews, questionnaire, and discussions with the National and International office of Special Olympics (SO) as an effort to increase involvement of siblings of Special Athletesfrom the Asian Pacific region to share their experiences, address the challenges they are facing, and find out ways to overcome barriers by finding opportunities for these Special Children. SOAP Family and Sibling workshop gave her a voice, a recognition and a leadership that might have an impact on families, siblings, mentors, coaches and society for inclusion, acceptance and development of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). Her motive is to involve as much people as possible with commitment and compassion as same as hers so that we create opportunities for our special athletes. They shall collaborate to form action plans to fight stigma and promote acceptance and inclusion of the special athletesin communities. A network of sibling leaders will inspire other siblings to actively join so. |
