Special roller-skating events held for children with disabilities

As part of the 63rd National Roller-Skating Championship, the Roller-Skating Federation of India (RSFI) organised special competitions for children with disabilities here on Sunday afternoon.

The events were conducted in multiple age categories, ranging from six years to above 18. About 130 children from 15 States took part in Single-Lap and Double-Lap events, participating with enthusiasm and confidence.

Children from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Chandigarh, West Bengal and Punjab were part of the competitions.

Participants included children with mental health conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism, who impressed spectators with their skating skills. Observers noted that their performance was comparable to that of other athletes, making it difficult to identify them as children with disabilities without prior information.

The RSFI has been conducting such special events for the past four years with the aim of encouraging children with disabilities, nurturing their talent and promoting their inclusion in society through sports.

While medals were awarded, the focus remained on participation rather than competition. Encouraged by their parents, the young skaters sped across the rink with smiles, winning hearts with their spirit, sportsmanship and graceful acceptance of both victory and defeat.