Morale boosting sports festival for the disabled

Richard Dwight

Many are they who suffer from physical disability due to varied reasons and factors.

The numbers through the recent years have increased considerably as a result of the civil conflict, that has now mercifully ended.

This unfortunate segment of our community, though disabled physically but undettered in spirit, are fast being rehabilitated to lead normal lives through the support and assistance of the Colombo - Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS).

One of the events in the rehabilitation program of CFINS is the AIDEX (Aid to the Ex-Able) annual sports festival, organized for Jaipur Limb Users amongst other islandwide, be they men, women, boys and girls.

This year the 19th such festival will take place this Sunday October 25 from 9 a.m. at the Reid Avenue Sports Grounds Colombo 07.

It was learnt from the Chairman of AIDEX and of the Organizing Committee, Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen, a leading surgeon, that “no longer are we the able, referring to this unfortunate segment of our people as disabled, but as being differently able”.

This undoubtedly is a positive approach and according to Prof. Sheriffdeen, AIDEX through this exercise and yet other avenues, are striving to help the differently able, because it is both a day of recreation and holiday.

Perhaps the only one they have had for the whole year. Sheriffdeen observed, that we who are privileged enough to enjoy mobility, should therefore get-together on occasions such as this to support the less fortunate members of our society.

There will be a little over 400 participating at this sports festival. The events will be worked off from 9 a.m. onwards when the first bicycle race will be flagged by this year’s Guest of Honour, Dilhan Fernando, the Marketing Director, Ceylon Tea Services Ltd.

A female bicycle race will be held this year too. After the bicycle races are over, 47 Track and Field events will be worked off. These will include 100, 200 and 400 metre races, Putt Shot, Long Jump, Discus Throw and Archery.

The chief guest this year is His Excellency Bernard Savage, Head of Delegation, European Commission - who are generous supporters of this Annual Sports Festival. He will also officiate by starting off some of the events and by distributing prizes.

It’s heartening to note that as in the past quite a few donors, well wishers and friends, on perhaps being inwardly stirred are lending more than a helping hand for this noble cause.

Apart from the sponsorship from the European Commission, T. Shirts for volunteers and participants will be provided by Ceylon Tea Services Ltd. (Dilmah) caps will be given by Global Fitness Centre (Pvt) Ltd. Free breakfast will be served by Perera and Sons.

Numerous other supporters have made cash donations to make this event a success. Volunteers from CIFNS Management Committee, administrative staff and workshop will help in working out the events. Other volunteer groups include; the girl guides from Museaus College, Medical students from the Colombo Medical Faculty and the staff of Tallman Tours.

The event is open free to the public who are invited to spend this Sunday with the disabled to encourage them to participate in such activities and to lead non dependent lives with dignity.