Date:05/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/05/stories/2008090558210200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Swimming contests for differently-abled today

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: The Special Olympics Bharath – Tamil Nadu, which has been reconstituted recently, is organising a State-level swimming competition for differently-abled children on Friday, at the Aquatic Complex, Velachery, from 10 a.m. onwards.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide persons with special needs year-round sports training and opportunities to take part in sports competitions, said a release.

Around 60 children will participate in the competition. Students from organisations such as Mathru Mandir, Down’s Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu, Pathway, Balavihar, Opportunity School, Becham and Anbagam, Madurai and Vidivali, Tiruchi, would participate.

According to a release, separate races will be held for boys and girls as part of individual and team events. Apart from individual races, a 25x4m relay and a special walking race in the water will also be held. The event is sponsored by the Bavy Foundation, Chennai Chapter, and Rotary Club – Central.