Wheeling into the playfield against all odds

42 women with disabilities from IDT Handicrafts (Integrated Development Trust) in Anantapur achieved a major feat on 3 January  2020, as they were one of the first and biggest groups of women with disabilities in the region to practice and play sports, individually and in teams. The event was organised by Rural Development Trust in collaboration with Motivation India, an NGO that works towards enhancing independence of people with mobility disabilities in India and globally.

For many women, this was the first time they were indulging in sports activities and games in their life. “Initially they were hesitant about the idea and doubted that they would be able to participate in sports. They were also worried about losing out on their work at the handicrafts workshop but we had to keep encouraging them. Once they began training, they started enjoying it and were eager to practise every day. As we started nearing the event day, they did not care about the weather or time and ended up practising until 9 PM,” said Safia Begum, co-ordinator of IDT.

The proposal for this event was put forward by Mr. Praveen Kumar, assistant regional manager at Motivation India for South India. “If everybody else can play sports, why not these women? This is why I wanted to organise this event. Regular rules for games have been applied in this event and these women have showed great enthusiasm and potential. I am sure if provided with coaching, they can even participate in various competitions and move it forward” he said.

42 women participated in various sports like racing, lemon and spoon race, volleyball, basketball, throwball and a relay race. 

“Games like volleyball and basketball seemed difficult initially. We were not able to serve or shoot for the basket properly and felt disappointed. But encouragement from all and the coaching really helped us. This is the first time I am playing sports in my life and I don’t want to stop,” said Sunkamma, who participated in the games and works in the jewellery-making centre of IDT at Bukkarayasamudram.

These women are now so motivated that they have decided to take time out their daily work schedules to continue practising. They will also be participating in the Community Run event of the V Anantapur Ultramarathon (AUM) on 22 January 2020.

This article was first published by Rural Development Trust. Visit their website for more information.