Special children inaugurate the special Olympics with His Excellency, the Governor of Jharkhand Mr Syed Sibte Razi

The torch run from JRD Tata Sports Complex to Asha Kiran - a school for special children - on November 15, 2005 marked the increase in the momentum towards “Changing Attitude Changing the World” for special children. This was the precursor to the Special Olympics Handball Competition organised by Tata Steel. Over 220 participants from 10 states participated in the senior & master age group of both the men and women categories. All participating states undertook the skill test and on the basis of their team performance were divided as per the Special Olympics Bharat guideline. The inaugural ceremony was graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Jharkhand, Mr Syed Sibte Razi. Mr Razi extolled the effort taken by Tata Steel to host such a special event.

Simultaneously with the Special Olympics, a Youth Summit on the theme of “Changing Attitude Changing the World” was organised. The summit was attended by over 1500 children of the steel city, special children, parents, government officials and representatives of the press. Each evening a cultural show was organised

Mr and Mrs Razi jointly inaugurate the Special Olympics with Mr A N Singh, DMD (CS) Tata Steel The torch run symbolises a new awareness for special people

Alively cultural show

by the students of Jamshedpur Public School and Narbheram Hansraj English School, to provide a lively interlude between the events.

Binita and Anita Soren have broken the barriers of seclusion for the tribal children and youth in Jharkhand. Both were part of the all women team led by Ms Bachendri Pal, Chief, Adventure Programmes, which recently captured Karakoram Pass. Now, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation has them as examples when it endeavours to draw out the latent talent of the youth, whilst making them self-confident, physically and mentally alert, learn leadership skills as well as become goal oriented.

TSAF recently conducted a three-day Adventure camp at its Tumang Training Site for 30 students from St Xaviers High School Lupunggutu, Chaibasa and St Thomas School Gandedunngri in Gamharia Block. These schools are part of “Project Sahyog” launched by the Tribal Cultural Society. The children not only enjoyed the activity but were unanimous in their belief that the programme helped them “learn about discipline, handwork, overcoming fears, team work and responsibility.”

 




Ms Bachendri Pal spend a considerable length of time interacting with the children and motivating them by sharing her personal experiences. Most importantly, she conveyed to them that hard work and staying focussed on one’s goal ensures success, even if it is climbing Mount Everest.