On February 23rd, 2024, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga, organised a Unified Sports Competition. The event was designed to foster inclusivity and provide children with intellectual disabilities and hearing impairments with an opportunity to engage in sports activities tailored to their specific needs.
The sports competition conducted a variety of events catering to the diverse abilities of the participants. A 5-A Side football tournament was organised for boys with intellectual disabilities, while girls with intellectual disabilities competed in a Kolam competition and in a Boccia tournament. Additionally, boys with hearing impairments participated in Kabaddi, and girls with hearing impairments in volleyball.
Revered Swami Garishthananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, presided over the function, Dr. L. Murugan, Avl, Honourable Minister of State, Minister of Fisheries, Husbandry Dairying & Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the sports competition and Rtn. CA. M. Bhaskar, District Chair, CSR Committee, Rotary Club of Coimbatore, Metropolis, was the Special Guest.
A total of 176 players from 14 special schools enthusiastically participated in the tournament, consisting of 98 boys and 78 girls. The participated schools were grouped into teams for each event, resulting in 11 teams competed in football, 9 teams in Boccia and Kolam competitions, 2 teams in Kabaddi, and 2 teams in Volleyball.
Fixture draws were conducted one day prior to the competition, and all matches were held on a knockout basis to determine the winners in each category.
The results of the Unified Sports Competition are as follows:
1. Football For Intellectual Disabilities – Boys
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Winner: Star Special School
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Runner-up: Barathi Special School
2. Boccia for Intellectual Disabilities – Girls
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Winner: Star Special School
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Runner-up: Cottolengo Special School
3. Kolam Competition for Intellectual Disabilities – Girls
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Winner: Nithiliyam Special School
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Runner-up: Thulir Special School
4. Kabaddi for Hearing Impaired – Boys
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Winner: Infant Jesus School for Deaf and Dumb
5. Volleyball for Hearing Impaired – Women
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Winner: Infant Jesus School for Deaf and Dumb
The final matches were presided over by the heads of the Vidyalaya institutions, who honoured the winners with trophies, certificates, and medals. Their recognition acknowledged the remarkable achievements and contributions made by these children to inclusive sports.
| Faculty/Staff Name | Details |
|---|---|
| S Rajavarman (Primary Coordinator) | GAPEY – Coimbatore Campus |
| Guest / General Public etc. | 174 (Male: 98, Female: 76) |
