Puneri Paltan’s sporting gesture brings a smile to the faces of the athletes with intellectual disability
Pune: Puneri Paltan had organised a meet and greet session with intellectually disabled athletes from the Maharashtra chapter of Special Olympics Bharat at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Balewadi. Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation that uses sports as a catalyst to transform the lives of athletes with intellectual disability.
In a heart-warming interactive session, Puneri Paltan players spent quality time with the athletes some of whom have represented India at the 2015 Summer & 2017 Winter Special Olympics, World Games in Los Angles and Austria respectively and won Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals. The athletes and their coaches were thrilled to see Puneri Paltan players in action.
Commenting on the Occasion, Kailash Kandpal, CEO of Puneri Paltan said, “Sports has an incredible transformative power. It was an extra-ordinary experience for us to mingle with the athletes. These athletes, in their own way, are contributing significantly towards betterment of sports in India and their efforts are commendable.”
Sharing her thoughts on the meet & greet session, Sandra Vaz, Area Director Maharashtra, Special Olympics Bharat said, “Special Olympic Bharat Maharashtra athletes are extremely proud to engage with the Puneri Paltan team. This opportunity will help the players of the team recognize & accept our athletes for their abilities & strengthen our endeavours towards inclusion through sports.”
Sharing his experience, Girish Ernak, Captain of Puneri Paltan said, “It was a privilege for us as players of the Puneri Paltan team to interact with these athletes. The team is greatly inspired by these athletes who have proved that with passion and dedication, everything is achievable. Their resolution to excel in sports is remarkable and I really wish them all the very best for all their future endeavours.”
Post the meet & greet session, the athletes took selfies with the players. The athletes were delighted when they were presented with a goodie bag which had Puneri Paltan merchandise. It was endearing experience for the players and management of Puneri Paltan who are committed to promote Kabaddi as a sport at grass root levels.