Pampore: The Department of Social Welfare, Pulwama, successfully wrapped up a two-day sports festival for specially-abled individuals in Pampore, South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Held at the Childcare Institute Palaash Pampore, the event garnered enthusiastic participation from specially-abled individuals from various parts of the district. The grand finale unfolded during the VYOM celebration at Palash Child Care Institute in Patalbagh, Pampore.
The award ceremony not only acknowledged the outstanding achievements of the participants but also emphasized a dedicated pledge for the inclusive participation of all specially-abled persons across the district. The event marked a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity and celebrating the capabilities of specially-abled individuals in the region.
VYOM, an acronym for Vibrant Young Open Minds, showcased spirited competitions and a commitment to a people-centered approach. Recitation, a cricket tournament, chess, and carrom board competitions engaged participants, with officials from the Department of Social Welfare and other departments actively participating and receiving felicitations.
District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama, Azhar Amin, Mission Coordinator Mansha Ahad, along with the President of Handicapped Association Pulwama, the President of Helping Hand Foundation Pampore, and the Chairman of Ansar Foundation, attended the event. They emphasized the need for efficient delivery mechanisms to ensure that no one is left behind, aligning with the 2030 agenda and taking a significant step towards building a more inclusive society.
Mohammad Umar, a disabled participant from Awantipora, expressed profound gratitude to the Social Welfare department and the Jammu and Kashmir UT government. He highlighted the mental and physical activity involved in the sports festival, making participants feel relaxed, integrated into society, and advocated for the repetition of such programs for the benefit of disabled persons.
District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama, Azhar Amin, shared insights into the two-day festival at Palash Children Institute in Pampore. The program aimed to felicitate disabled or specially-abled individuals in the Pulwama district, featuring cultural items and sports activities. A cricket match between disabled individuals from Tral and Pulwama was a highlight, emphasizing the talents of facially disabled individuals who showcased their remarkable skills during the festival. The felicitation ceremony included winner and runner-up teams, acknowledging the talents expressed by disabled individuals over the two days.

BILAL HABIB