The special games is being organised by the Manipur chapter of the Special Olympics Bharat under the aegis of the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, government of India.
Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat, who was the chief guest at the opening ceremony said differently abled are part of the society and they must be allowed every opportunity to enjoy themselves in life, especially in games and sports.
The Governor also expressed hope that holding the state games for the differently abled will inculcate and fulfill objectives of the persons with disabilities.
It may be mentioned here that Special Olympics Bharat is a multi-disciplinary National Sports Federation for persons with Intellectual Disability but has now given a much wider role and is working with other Sports Federations like All India Sports Council for the Deaf and Paralympics Committee of India.
The opening ceremony was also attended by state YAS minister DD Thaisii.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Thaisii said holding the special State Games play an important role in improving mental and physical abilities of the special athletes.
Stating that sports and games have got therapeutic values, Thaisii maintain that it is part of the rehabilitation process. The games also provide an oppertunity to participate, share joy of victory and courage, he added.
Though many sports events were held this State Games for all kinds of disabilities is the first of its kind to be held in Manipur under the new scheme of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Thaisii said adding 72 athletes from the ongoing games will be selected to represent Manipur in the special National Games to be held in October, 2011 at New Delhi.
