IMPHAL, November 2: The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple disabilities (NIEPMD) jointly with the Spastic Society will organise an open half marathon in the State on November 15 under the theme `Run for Inclusion towards a barrier free and rights based society for persons with disabilities`™ said secretary Spastic Society of Manipur Laishram Tokendra Ricky during a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.
Ricky said that differently abled persons have become a sensitive issue and such activity like the marathon will help in spreading positive message on the issue among the masses.
He said that the marathon can be participated by any individual irrespective of gender, he also added that some differently abled persons will also participate in the half marathon and special consolation prize will be awarded for them.
Physically challenged persons continue to face social stigma, he said.
The marathon has been organised so that awareness on the abilities of the differently abled is created among the masses which will help in fighting social stigma, Spastic Society Manipur spokesperson Kirpa Phiroijam said.
He further appealed to all concerned against imposing bandhs and blockades on the day and to instead extend support to the effort.
A locomotor disabled with both lower limbs affected and an Asian Paralympic Arm Wrestler bronze medallists will try to set a Limca Book of Records in hand walking, he said.
It was also announced that the half marathon will start from Khuman lampak Stadium from 7am on November 15 and will cover a distance of 21 kms approximately in and around Imphal and the prizes will be Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the first three spots for both male and female category.
The Spastic Society of Manipur further donated a wheel chair for the Manipur Press Club which will help persons with disabilities if they want to organise any press conference at the club premises.