𝘙𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 2025 (𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘴): 𝘈 𝘊𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺
Chennai, February 22, 2025: The Rotary Club of Chennai Central Elite today organised the much-anticipated Rotary Special Sports 2025, a heartwarming and inspiring sports event exclusively for differently-abled children at Sudharshan Vidyashram, Tiruverkadu,Chennai. Building on its legacy of inclusivity, the event brought together over 1500 differently-abled children from across the region to participate in a day dedicated to showcasing their extraordinary abilities. From track events to fun games, these young champions competed, laughed, and shone in an environment filled with encouragement and positivity.
This year, the Rotary Club of Chennai central elite took the event to new heights under the compassionate leadership of Dr. Santosh Kumari Rathod, President of the Rotary Club of Chennai Central Elite, Mr. Rohit Daga, Secretary and the energetic efforts of Mr. Ajay Hemakumar, the Project Chairman. A Star-Studded Lineup of Guests graced the occasion even more special to cheer on the children. Joining as Guests of Honor were: Mahaveer Bothra, Rotary District Governor Dist - 3233 a philanthropist known for his tireless work in community development, Neeraja Mallik, a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity and Thulasimathi Murugesan, Paralympic champion in Badminton and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, whose story of perseverance and achievement is an inspiration to all.
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The event was designed to highlight the unique abilities of children from all age groups (6–10 years, 11–14 years, and 15–18 years). With separate categories for boys and girls, the participants competed in:
- Running events (50m and 100m)
- Cricket ball throwing
- Long jump
- Skipping races
- Fun and engaging activities like breaking and gathering potatoes
- Frog Jump
- Crawling
Recognition for Every Child: Winners received certificates of achievement. To ensure smiles all around, over 250 special prizes and 1500 return gifts were distributed. The event also saw over 200 plus volunteers coming together to create a safe, vibrant, and inclusive space for these children to thrive.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Santosh Kumari, President of the Rotary Club of Chennai Central Elite, shared:"Rotary Special Sports is not just an event; it’s a celebration of life, courage, and the human spirit. We hope this day inspires every family, school, and individual to look beyond abilities and recognize the extraordinary potential in every child. Inclusivity is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility we all share."
Mr. Ajay Hemakumar, Project Chair, added: "This is one of those rare moments when you feel deeply connected to something bigger than yourself. Watching these young athletes give their all, despite the odds, fills you with hope and pride. This event isn’t just for them—it’s for all of us to learn, to celebrate, and to believe in a better, more inclusive world."
A Legacy of Empowerment: Since its inception in 2017, Rotary Special Sports has touched the lives of over 6,000 differently-abled children, offering them a platform to shine while raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity.
The Rotary Club of Chennai Central Elite is no stranger to impactful initiatives. From providing school resources and playgrounds for underprivileged children to donating oxygen cylinders and hospital beds during the pandemic, the club continues to embody its motto: “Service Above Self.”
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