Suttur, December 21, 2019: Today, the two-day Bhandavya-2019 Inter-District Special Children Sports Meet commenced with a magnificent inauguration in the divine presence of Paramapujya Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji at Suttur Srikshetra. The event, organized by Rotary Midtown, Mysuru, aims to provide a platform for special children to showcase their talents and promote their integration into the mainstream.
Kum. Ramya, an esteemed international para-athlete, delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the unique qualities possessed by special children. She emphasized the responsibility of society to recognize and nurture their potential. “Special children possess special qualities. It is the duty of all of us to identify their potential and bring them to the mainstream,” she stated.
Paramapujya Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji expressed his appreciation for Rotary Midtown’s dedicated efforts in organizing the sports meet. He commended the presence of parents and their children, emphasizing the importance of community support. “Your participation in this event, leaving your homes to be here, contributes to its success. I urge all of you to participate joyfully in the sports meet,” he remarked.
This year’s Bhandavya-2019 event sees the participation of approximately 600 special children and 150 parents from seven districts. The sports meet, now in its twelfth consecutive year, has chosen Suttur as its venue for the third time in a row. The program encompasses a variety of sports and games, including wheelchair events. Winners will be awarded first, second, and third prizes, along with a team championship. Additionally, all participants will receive certificates and prizes.
Dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony included International Para-athlete Kum. Ramya P. Shanmugam, Assistant Governor Raghavendra from Zone-7, Rotary District-3181, Smt. Anuradha Nandakumar, Innerwheel Chairman, Manoj Kumar, President of Rotary Midtown, and Sulaiman Seth, Secretary, among other esteemed members.
The inaugural program commenced with an impressive parade, followed by the oath-taking ceremony and the lighting of the sports torch, all carried out in the presence of the dignitaries.
In order to ensure the comfort and convenience of all participants, Rotary Midtown, with the blessings of Paramapujya Swamiji, has arranged free boarding and lodging facilities at Suttur Srikshetra.
Inaugural function of Bhandavya – 2019, Sepcial children sports meet, at Suttur Srikshetra.
From Left to Right, on the dais Sri Vasanth Kumar Shetty, Secretary, SAKAADA, Sri Sulaiman Seth, Secretary Rotary Midtown, Sri Manoj Kumar, President, Rotary Midtown, Paramapujya Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Sri Raghaendra, Assistant Governor, Zone-7, Rotary District-3181, Smt. Anuradha Nandakumar, Innerwheel Chairman, Kum. Ramya, P. Shanmugam, International Para Athlete, Sri Vishwanath, Chairm, Bhandavya and athletes from other districts, seen with the sports torch.