12 mentally challenged inmates selected for Summer Olympics 2015

Asha Kiran is one of the biggest homes for mentally challenged persons in India and houses about 900 residents at present.

Twelve inmates of Asha Kiran home for mentally challenged have been selected for the 1st World Summer Games to be held at Los Angeles, USA in July next year. The feat comes 15 years after an inmate had participated in an international sports championship in 1999.

Participants were reportedly selected by Special Olympics Bharat after a vigorous selection procedure, which included competitions at district, state and national levels.

“It is a great moment of honour for Asha Kiran Home for Mentally Challenged. Inmates will be participating in an international event after 15 years. One person had participated in INAS-FID World Athletics Championships which was held in Spain in 1999,” Principal Secretary (Social Welfare & WCD), Satbir Bedi said.

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While inmates Seema and Patto were selected for athletics, Matru has been selected for softball, Kalyani for volleyball and cycling, Preeti for volleyball and basketball, Upender for volleyball, Ratna, Arti and Rupali for handball and Phoolan Devi and Sonakhi for power-lifting.

“Expenditure of the inmates will be borne by Special Olympics Bharat. Participation of Asha Kiran inmates in the Games… will also boost the morale of residents and will also help in their socialisation process,” Bedi added.

Asha Kiran is one of the biggest homes for mentally challenged persons in India and houses about 900 residents at present.

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