Hazira, Surat district, Gujarat: To bring out the best in mentally challenged children, it is essential to provide right opportunities and constant support. Essar Foundation strongly believes in nurturing and promoting such children by providing them the right platform to showcase their talents.
Essar Foundation with the support of Essar Bulk Terminal Limited (EBTL), Hazira and in consultation with District Sports Authorities and Special Olympics Committee, Gujarat, sponsored special children from Surat to participate in Special Olympics, Asia Pacific Regional Games, held at Newcastle, Australia from November 30 to December 7, 2013. The children came out with flying colors with various medals under their belt to make the country and their home state of Gujarat proud.
To acknowledge the achievement of these children, the medal winners along with their coach and caretakers, were honored by Essar Ports and Essar Foundation during the inaugural ceremony of Indradhanush, a two-day edutainment festival for children in Hazira, on January 10, 2014. Ms. Anandiben Patel, Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat along with Mr Rajiv Agrawal, MD, Essar Ports and Mr Deepak Arora, CEO, Essar Foundation, felicitated the children, who won medals at the Special Olympics.
The children, who stood out during this event include Jignesh G. Patel, who won Gold and Silver medals in 100 m Race and ShotPut events, Karan Sawlani, who got a Silver medal in Aqua Backstroke and stood fourth in Free Style Swimming event and Halpati Kailashben B., who secured a Silver medal in Long Jump and finished second in ShotPut event. Gamit Piyush, who stood fourth in Relay Aquatic and sixth in Aquatic events also shone at this event. Other children, who performed well are Gamit Pritesh G. and Binita Bhajiwala S., who secured sixth and fourth spots respectively in Bocce event.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round training and athletic competition for mentally challenged people. Special Olympics aim to harness the power of sport, and use this to create a world, which fosters their acceptance and inclusion. Essar Foundation and EBTL constantly espouse this cause to help mainstream mentally challenged people.
