it will be a celebration of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of inclusive sports and health activities

Dr Mallika Nadda

     (President, Special Olympics Bharat) 

I welcome all the members of the media,
distinguished guests, volunteers, athletes and supporters present here today.
Namaskar and thank you for joining us today at this significant moment as we begin the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition 2024. It gives me immense joy to be here and witness the enthusiasm, dedication
and collective spirit that has brought us all together.

Along with the sporting event, we have the
Healthy Athletes Program. Through this
initiative, 400 athletes will receive health
screenings with the help of 60 highly trained medical professionals across 7 disciplines, Special Smiles, Opening Eyes, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion – Nutrition, Fit Feet, Fun Fitness, and newly Launched Strong Minds, along with 250 volunteers. We are happy to share that the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr JP Nadda will be inaugurating the program on 20th November.

We are also honoured to have the opening
ceremony today at 3:30 PM, where the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji, and the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, will grace the occasion with their presence.
The upcoming competition will be more than just a showcase of sports—it will be a celebration of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of inclusive sports and health activities.

Focusing on older athletes with ID aged 22 and above, the competition provides unique opportunities for this age group to showcase their talents and remain active. These athletes embody the spirit of Special Olympics, and highlights the enduring benefits of inclusion through sports, fostering physical fitness, social connection and mental well-being.
In support of this movement, we have over 1,000 volunteers whose tireless commitment has been
instrumental in ensuring that this event upholds the highest standards of organisation and care.
Furthermore, this competition is expected to draw a passionate audience of over 3,000 spectators, whose presence will amplify the energy and excitement within the stadium. Your support and cheers not only uplift our athletes but also reinforce our shared commitment to a world that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Along with the sporting event, we have the
Healthy Athletes Program. Through this
initiative, 400 athletes will receive health
screenings with the help of 60 highly trained medical professionals across 7 disciplines, Special Smiles, Opening Eyes, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion – Nutrition, Fit Feet, Fun Fitness, and newly Launched Strong Minds, along with 250 volunteers. We are happy to share that the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr JP Nadda will be inaugurating the program on 20th November.

This commitment to holistic athlete care is a testament to our belief that health and wellness are fundamental rights for all, regardless of ability. In this health screening program, we affirm that our support goes beyond the playing field and into the heart of what it means to lead a healthy life.
Friends, today we stand before you not just as leaders but as believers in the inclusion revolution.

We are at a moment where our collective actions can redefine the narrative around the issue. Our movement is more than just a series of events; it is a call to action—one that urges every community, institution and individual to embrace inclusivity, to break down the barriers
of stigma, and to include those who are often neglected.
The core of this revolution is simple yet
profound: to accept every individual, regardless of their disabilities, recognise their abilities, respect them as they are and finally include them in every aspect of life. We have many athlete leaders among us, and one example is our ‘golden girl’ Shivani. She is a role model and an inspiration to all of us who has overcome the challeng to become the flag bearer of hope.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Chief Health Officer, Special Olympics International.

I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr Dimitri Christakis, Chief Health Officer, Special Olympics International, Mr Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director Special Olympics Asia Pacific and our partners, sponsors, and supporters who
believe in our shared vision of an inclusive
society.

Mr Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director Special Olympics Asia Pacific.

I invite you all to be more than just spectators—be advocates for change. Let this competition inspire all of us to discuss and carry the message of inclusion revolution. Let it spark initiatives
that makes inclusion not just an aspiration but a reality.

To conclude, I would like to remind all that the Special Olympics movement is a beacon of hope and a new sunrise to the profound impact of sports as a unifier. Each clap, each cheer and each moment spent watching these athletes compete is a step towards a more inclusive world. To my friends from the media, let us come
together to amplify the message of inclusion.Thank you for your time, your support and your commitment to Special Olympics and inclusion.
Join us at the competition and let’s celebrate the incredible journey of these athletes. Together, we can and we will make a difference in the lives
of our athletes.
Thank you.

( Dr Mallika Nadda’s speech during the Press conference on Tuesday Afternoon at Hotel Lalit. )