Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, April 6 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday announced that the Special Olympics Nagaland (SON) will be embraced into the folds of the Nagaland Olympics Association (NOA) of which he is the president.
SON is a sports organisation that works exclusively for athletes in the category of Persons with Disability (PwD). Addressing the closing programme of the Khelo India State Games-2018 for PwD organised by the SON at Old Showuba village, Rio said that the NOA had decided to embrace SON to the NOA's fold.
This would mean that SON athletes will receive cash awards for the number of medals won in national and international events thus far. He said that although the policy has been in place from before, achievements were not brought to his notice during his stint as a member of the Lok Sabha.
'But now I assure you that your association will be recognised and cash award will also be given as appealed by the SON athletes,' Rio said. He reminded that the state government had already announced special thrust to sports, and thus a ‘special fund’ for sports activities in the state.
While reminding that the biennial Nagaland Olympic Games was held the previous year, Rio suggested that a schedule be worked out in which the Nagaland Olympics and the Special Olympics events can be held alternatively.
'It is heartening to note that it is the sixth state games for the differently-able. Khelo India scheme is a national programme for the development of sports in India that gives special emphasis to sports activities and that is why Nagaland has decided to promote sports,' he said.
Lauding nongovernmental organisations for their selfless service toward differently-able persons, he encouraged the association to have a special venue, which need not be big but workable, to conduct tournaments.
Rio asserted also that the advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zhale Nekha, who was also present at the event, will study the matter further and promote sports not only for the able but for the differently-able as well.
“As the chief minister, the government will support you financially and will make it known to other people that being a Christian state we care for our special children. I have seen your memorandum and prayers and the government will do whatever is possible at the earliest,” Rio said in assurance. He also felt that such tournaments should be held regularly.
