New Delhi: Special Olympics Bharat, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, proudly unveiled their new jersey today as part of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition 2024. The event was organised at The Lalit, New Delhi. This event marks a significant lead-up to the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition set to take place in New Delhi from 18th to 23rd November 2024 embarked by the presence of Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat as the key speaker. During the event, Shivani was announced as the official athlete ambassador for Special Olympics Bharat for the Games.
The competition is the first of its kind on a global scale to be held in India which focuses on older athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) aged 22 and above. It offers unique opportunities for the often-underserved age group whose participation in sports typically declines as they get older. More than 100 athletes from 12 Special Olympics Programs are set to participate in the competition who hail from 3 different regions, namely, East Asia, Europe Eurasia, and Asia Pacific. It also marks a historic first for Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) as it introduces bowling as a competitive sport in partnership with the Tenpin Federation of India.
During the event, Dr Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat said, “Today, we have the great honour of unveiling the jersey for Special Olympics Bharat and announcing Shivani as our athlete ambassador. This competition is not just about sports; it is a celebration of the human spirit, determination and the power of unity. For an entire week, we will witness stories of courage, determination and triumph as athletes, their families and supporters come together in a powerful display of inclusion and friendship. We invite you all to be a part of this transformative journey as we celebrate the athletes who remind us that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we come together as one.”
Shivani, the Athlete Brand Ambassador at the event said, “I am so proud to be the Athlete Ambassador for Special Olympics Bharat for the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition 2024. My journey in sports has changed my life—it has given me the strength to overcome challenges and show the world that with hard work and belief, anything is possible. As an Athlete Ambassador, I hope to inspire others with intellectual disabilities to pursue their passions and never give up. I want everyone to know that inclusion in sports can break down barriers and help us all reach our true potential.”
The celebration concluded with a rallying call to the public and media to champion inclusion and to stand together with athletes and the Special Olympics Bharat movement as they pursue their dreams on the global stage.
Special Olympics Bharat is committed to fostering an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to succeed and shine. The organization looks forward to the upcoming Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition and invites everyone to join in this movement of hope and empowerment.
