Urvashi Thacker and JairajThacker of the Narsee Monjee Educational Trust hosted the 19th Sports Meet for Differently Abled Children at the JamnabaiNarsee Campus. Distinguished actor, Ajay Devgn attended the event amidst a supportive audience of parents, teachers and students from over 54 schools across Mumbai to witness and applaud over 1,000 differently abled students celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship.
Founded by Urvashi Thacker, this sports meet aims to create ‘special opportunities for the special’. The maiden venture began in the year 2002. “I am delighted that my dream of providing a platform for the differently abled children from special institutions to celebrate the joys of sport becomes a reality year after year. There are many lessons here and their joie de vivre is truly admirable .” says Ms. Urvashi Thacker.
Chief Guest Ajay Devgn, on interacting with the kids says, “It is truly insightful to be a part of this special day and witness the spirit, hardwork & love for sport by these wonderful children.”
Managing Trustee Jairaj Thacker mentions, “We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to play a part in adding happiness to the lives of differently abled students. This annual sports day has become a meaningful one for us all and every year we go back with new deeper insights into requirements and how we can up the day for these children .”
The event began with a harmonised March Past of contingents from all participating schools followed by one of the highlights i.e., the ‘Mallakhambh’ performance by the students of the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. The Athletes’ Oath was taken by the winners of the previous year’s sports event. The Torch Run was followed by varied athletic as well as festive races, depending on the capabilities of the students.
All the students that participated in the Special Sports Meet were differently challenged – the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, the physically challenged and the intellectually challenged. They were assisted in their sports activities on this day by Jamnabai Narsee students who volunteered wholeheartedly and made this event enjoyable for them.
This benchmark event is a success each year attributed to the untiring support of dedicated teachers who accompany their students to enable them to participate in the Sports Meet. Their passionate service makes them true angels in disguise. Their patient encouragement and nurturing nature is the guiding force which helps the participants ‘conquer life’s challenges and celebrate life every day.
Every student was presented a gift and a certificate for participation to commemorate their sporting spirit . Winners were awarded medals and certificates. The winners were presented trophies by the chief guests.
