Over 250 participants to take part in handicapped swimming meet

Pune, Mar 1 (UNI) Over 250 visually impaired, handicapped and mentally challenged men and women will vie for honours in the annual swimming gala, being sponsored by noted industrialist Desai Brothers and hosted by the Lions Club of Pune Sahakarnagar, at the Deccan Gymkhana club's Tilak tank here on March 5.

The unique swimming gala owed its popularity to the sports enthusiast city industrialist Nitin Desai, who has supported the cause for the last 12 years so that the blind, deaf and dumb and the physically and mentally challenged could match their talents. Giving the details, Lions Club's president Vasudeo Kench with secretary Shaile Seth told reporters that the annual event will instill and inculcate a sense of self-confidence in the handicapped and open an avenue for them to have the competition exposure as well. Some of the physically amd mentally challenged, along with blind and deaf and dumb, have made their mark in various state and national level meets and even the Olympics.

They said besides Pune Blindmen's Association, other organisations such as Queen Mary's Technical School, the Paraplegic Home, Kamayani School for Deaf and Dumb and Handicapped, Ruia Deaf and Dumb School, Lark School and many others will take part in the one-day meet.

Participants from neighbouring villages such as Bhor, Talegaon, and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have also confirmed their entries, said the Lions Club activity chairman Vasant Kasid. Apart from usual gold, silver and bronze medals each participant will be given a gift and a certificate, he added.

The last date for acceptance of entries is March two and will be accpeted by Mr Kench. Contact: Kench Tel 24265744 or Mrs Sheila Seth on Tel 4335822, Jugalkishore Shah Tel 7472406 and Vasant Kasid Tel 26992441.

UNI IS SSS SBJ PM2229