Dimapur (Nagaland): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
on Friday announced that the Special Olympics Nagaland (SON) will be
embraced into the folds of the Nagaland Olympics Association (NOA) of
which he is the president.
SON is a sports organisation that works exclusively for athletes in
the category of Persons with Disability (PwD). Addressing the closing
programme of the Khelo India State Games-2018 for PwD organised by the
SON at Old Showuba village, Rio said that the NOA had decided to embrace
SON to the NOA’s fold.
This would mean that SON athletes will receive cash awards for the
number of medals won in national and international events thus far. He
said that although the policy has been in place from before,
achievements were not brought to his notice during his stint as a member
of the Lok Sabha.
‘But now I assure you that your association will be recognised and
cash award will also be given as appealed by the SON athletes,’ Rio
said. He reminded that the state government had already announced
special thrust to sports, and thus a ‘special fund’ for sports
activities in the state.
While reminding that the biennial Nagaland Olympic Games was held the
previous year, Rio suggested that a schedule be worked out in which the
Nagaland Olympics and the Special Olympics events can be held
alternatively.
‘It is heartening to note that it is the sixth state games for the
differently-able. Khelo India scheme is a national programme for the
development of sports in India that gives special emphasis to sports
activities and that is why Nagaland has decided to promote sports,’ he
said.
Lauding nongovernmental organisations for their selfless service
toward differently-able persons, he encouraged the association to have a
special venue, which need not be big but workable, to conduct
tournaments.
Rio asserted also that the advisor for Youth Resources and Sports,
Zhale Nekha, who was also present at the event, will study the matter
further and promote sports not only for the able but for the
differently-able as well.
“As the chief minister, the government will support you financially
and will make it known to other people that being a Christian state we
care for our special children. I have seen your memorandum and prayers
and the government will do whatever is possible at the earliest,” Rio
said in assurance. He also felt that such tournaments should be held
regularly.
