Date:18/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/18/stories/2006031818760200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sports meet for the differently-abled held

Staff Reporter

More than 400 youngsters participated in 130 competitions

CHENNAI: Leena waved the certificates to catch the attention of the three prize-winners from her school. P. Rekha was the first to turn and smile before readying herself to reach the dais with the help of her teacher to receive the prize from the chief guest at the regional level sports meet for differently-abled children on Friday.

More than 400 youngsters participated in 130 competitions at the meet organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu at Rajarathinam Stadium.

The contest included the regular items under athletics as well as some special events such as wheelchair racing.

"Participants came from all categories — orthopaedically challenged, physically challenged, hearing and visually impaired, even the intellectually disabled," said M.S. Nagarajan, regional sports coordinator.

Schools from Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu brought their students to participate in the meet.