Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation in India that is registered under the Indian Trust Act 1882. It was established in 2001 and is accredited by Special Olympics International to conduct Special Olympics Programs in India. The organization is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, as a National Sports Federation in the Priority Category for the development of sports for persons with intellectual disabilities. It is also designated as a Nodal Agency for all disabilities due to its national presence and experience, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the disabled population resides.
Mr. Harpreet Singh, the Sports Director of Special Olympics Bharat, is responsible for handling all Right To Information (RTI) matters within the organization. The competent authority for RTI-related issues is Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, the Founder & CEO of Special Olympics Bharat.
Intellectual disability, as defined by Special Olympics International, is characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning (typically an IQ below 70) along with impairments in daily life activities and social adaptation. According to the General Rules of Special Olympics International, a person is considered to have an intellectual disability if they meet any of the following requirements:
1. Identification by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability, as determined locally.
2. A cognitive delay determined by standardized measures such as IQ testing or other accepted measures within the professional community of the Accredited Program's nation.
3.A closely related developmental disability, which includes functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and adaptive skills (such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care). However, individuals with functional limitations solely based on physical, behavioral, emotional, specific learning, or sensory disabilities are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes.
Special Olympics Bharat focuses on holistic development and training that extends beyond the classroom to playing fields, cultural and community centers. Their objectives include motivating children with disabilities to join and remain in school, creating role models to inspire children and parents to participate in sports and other activities, training teachers to cater to the needs of special children, and involving the community for better understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to reach over 100,000 people with intellectual disabilities in India every year.
The Special Olympics Bharat sports program is supported by seven special initiatives aimed at the holistic development of athletes. These initiatives provide opportunities in health, education, and leadership programs.
The Special Olympics Athlete oath encapsulates the spirit of the organization: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Special Olympics Bharat operates with the mission of providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in various Olympic-type sports for individuals, including children and adults, with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to offer continuous opportunities for these individuals to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
The philosophy of Special Olympics Bharat is grounded in the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can learn, enjoy, and benefit from participating in sports when they receive appropriate assistance and encouragement. The organization emphasizes the importance of consistent training in developing sports skills and the value of competition among individuals with similar abilities to test and measure their progress, as well as provide incentives for personal growth.
Special Olympics Bharat recognizes the multiple benefits that sports bring to individuals with intellectual disabilities, encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects. Additionally, the organization acknowledges the positive impact on families and the wider community, both through participation and observation of the athletes' achievements.
A key focus of Special Olympics Bharat's work is promoting the social acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, advocating for their respect and equal opportunities to become productive citizens. The organization encourages its athletes to transition from Special Olympics training and competition to engaging in school and community programs where they can participate in regular sports activities.
Special Olympics Bharat is registered as a National Sports Federation under the Indian Trust Act since 2001. It is accredited by Special Olympics International to organize Special Olympics Programs in India. The organization is recognized by the Government of India as a National Sports Federation in the Priority Category for the development of sports for persons with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, due to its extensive presence and experience, particularly in rural areas where around 75 percent of the disabled population resides, Special Olympics Bharat is designated as a Nodal Agency for all disabilities.