IMPHAL, 15 November: With the objective to extend support and show solidarity to the cause of differently able, the Spastic Society of Manipur in association with National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India has organised a Half Marathon race today.
The marathon was flagged off from Khuman Lampak by the Chief Secretary of Manipur, O Nabakishore Singh.
Altogether 418 athletes including boys, girls and 17 differently able persons took part in the marathon. Even as the marathon is a 21 Km long distance the differently able individuals are to cover only 5 Km.
The runners including disabled and minors had to face the heat of traffic mayhem throughout the marathon especially while covering many places within Imphal city.
This reporter witnessed how the athletes forced to walk in trying to avoid being hit by vehicles at the Nagamapal area where traffic was fully jammed.
Nevertheless, swift action from the state traffic police personnel and security forces somehow eased the runner`™s woes.
On the other hand, Asian paralympic Arm Wrestling Bronze Medallist, Thangjam Joykumar Singh attempted to break and tried to set Limca Book of Records in Hand-Walking at the Khuman Lampak.
Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur O Nabakishore Singh, on the occasion said that even as differently able person may be having some limitation in terms of mobility but they have special ability.
Exhorting that the general public of the society must learnt to appreciate them, he luaded the organisers for promoting such events that could potentially eradicate indifferences in the society.
Principal Secretary Social Welfare Department SK Debverman who was also present for the event lauded Spastic Society of Manipur for conducting such event for inclusion toward the barrier free for the disabled persons in particular. He said that inclusion of all section of society is over all growth of the society.