7th State Games for the Disabled organised in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The 7th State Games for the Disabled, jointly organised by Aoyimti Baptist Arogo, Dimapur, and Special Olympics Nagaland (SON), was held on September 30 at the Aoyimti Futsal Court, Dimapur.

According to an update, the event was fully sponsored by a church for the first time and had around 170 attendees.

The competitions were supervised by Renjamo Y Ngullie, SON president of Dimapur district, while master trainers Achum Ovung, Jangtsumen Tzudir and Imlitwati Lemtur led 18 SON coaches in guiding 93 special athletes, including blind and deaf athletes, across athletics (race, relay, jumps and shot put), bocce and football.

All events were conducted under the Special Olympics Divisioning rules, ensuring fair play according to each athlete’s ability and interest.

Also read: Public Health Engineering Department sports meet underway in Dimapur

Nagaland Parents Association for Disabled (NAPAD) sponsored the Kohima team’s travel expenses, led by Bendangla Kikon, SON president of the Kohima district.

The deputy commissioner of Dimapur extended support for coaches’ jerseys and miscellaneous expenses, while Keystone Education Society provided on-the-spot Aadhaar enrolment for athletes without Aadhaar. Youth volunteers from Aoyimti Baptist Arogo also served as assistant coaches.

It was stated that through the initiative of Among, SON chief coach, and the partnership of Aoyimti Baptist Arogo Dimapur, the day was marked with celebration. It was also mentioned that Nagaland’s special athletes have already secured over 140 medals at national and international levels and emphasised the need for state government recognition and cash awards for deserving athletes.

Aren, SON area director, expressed concern that post-pandemic, the National Office (SOB, Delhi) discontinued travel reimbursements for national events and support for district and state games, which has severely affected participation opportunities for athletes and coaches. Despite challenges, SON coaches and members continue to render service without fees or salary since inception.