Why is it in the News?

Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), a National Sports Federation of India is forming district units across Tamil Nadu through elections on April 22.

About Special Olympics Bharat:

• Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation also registered under the Indian Trust Act 1882 in 2001 and is accredited by Special Olympics International to conduct Special Olympics Programs in India.
• It 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 a designated Nodal Agency for all disabilities on account of its national presence and experience, especially in rural areas which account for nearly 75 percent of the disabled population in India.
• Mission: The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
• Special Olympics Bharat works towards the social acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, whereby they are respected and given equal chances to become productive citizens.
  • They encourage athletes to move from the Special Olympics training and competition into school and community programs where they can compete in regular sports activities.

Special Olympics Bharat strives to:

• Focus on holistic development and training that goes beyond the classrooms into the playing fields, cultural and community centers, to motivate children with disabilities to join and remain in school
• Create role models who will inspire the children and also motivate parents to send their children to school and to participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities
• Train teachers to sensitize them to the needs of special children, and create a cadre of physical education teachers from among the disabled who can work with schools and community centers
• Ensure maximum involvement of the community for greater public understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
• Ensure all Special Olympics Bharat activities local, state, national, and international reflect the Olympic movement values, standards, ceremonies, and events.

What is Intellectual Disability?

• Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s intellectual skills and their behaviour in different situations. 
• It can include difficulties in communication, memory, understanding, problem-solving, self-care, social and emotional skills, and physical skills.  
• People with intellectual disability have the same feelings, rights, and aspirations as everyone else. 
• Intellectual disability does not define who a person is, how they should be treated, or how they want to live.
• An IQ test determines whether a person has an intellectual disability. IQ scores lower than 70 indicate an intellectual disability.