Banna Gupta, Health Minister, Jharkhand To Inaugurate East Zone Regional Abilympics 2024

The East Zone Regional Abilympics 2024, organised by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), is set to take place at Tata Steel Technical Institute, Burma Mines on October 3 and 4 in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). Banna Gupta, Health Minister, Jharkhand will be the chief guest at the inauguration. This event aims to celebrate the exceptional skills and talents of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from across Eastern India. Abilympics, known as the Olympics of Abilities, serves as a global platform where PwDs can demonstrate their vocational skills and showcase their ability to compete at both national and international levels. The Abilympics not only focuses on empowering PwDs through skills but also highlights the larger issue of employment opportunities. Skill development programmes and events like these open doors to various sectors, including IT, hospitality, manufacturing and even creative fields, where PwDs can excel with the right support.

Supported by prominent partners like Tata Power (TPCDT), Tata Steel Foundation, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the event underscores a commitment to empowering PwDs through skill development and inclusion. These initiatives are vital for providing PwDs with the tools they need to achieve self-reliance and contribute to society.

East Zone edition has received an overwhelming response, with 405 entries received and out of which 200 plus selected ones will be competing, highlighting the growing enthusiasm and participation in promoting vocational skills amongst PwDs. Participants will showcase their abilities in 15 skill categories, under ICT, Crafts, Food and Services from the Eastern States such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. For the first time, participants from Northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya are joining the event, marking a significant milestone in the event’s expanding reach. Two participants from Assam and one from Meghalaya will take part, reflecting the growing inclusivity of the competition nationally. On this occasion, Tata group has undertaken a landmark initiative of organising events like Neurodiversity Immersion Summit.

Key NGO partners such as Divyang Marg Darshan (Jamshedpur), Gaya Budham Sharnam (Gaya, Bihar), Bihar Abilympics Association (Patna, Bihar) and Sahaya-Special School for ID (Cuttack, Odisha) have been instrumental in training and preparing participants for this prestigious event. These organisations work tirelessly to bridge the gap between training and employment for PwDs, helping them unlock their potential.

India created history at the tenth International Abilympics in Metz, France, in 2023 by securing seven medals with a small 13-member team. Now, as the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) prepares for the selections for the 11 International Abilympics (2027) to be held in Finland, the East Zone Regional Abilympics in Jamshedpur will be a crucial step in the journey toward international recognition and pride.

For more information and updates on the East Zone Regional Abilympics 2024, please visit the official website.