Even as specially-abled athletes compete at the Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil, in a happy coincidence, south Mumbai got its first park dedicated to the specially-abled at Kamala Nehru Park, in the city’s pricey Malabar Hill locality
Even as specially-abled athletes compete at the Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil, in a happy coincidence, south Mumbai got its first park dedicated to the specially-abled at Kamala Nehru Park, in the city’s pricey Malabar Hill locality.
These specially-abled Olympians humble us with their spirit — their stories are inspirational takeaways that seem to make our problems seem tiny in comparison. The Paralympics, which follow Olympics, is a sporting event for athletes with a range of disabilities, such as impaired muscle power (eg: paraplegia and quadriplegia, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, spina bifida) and impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency (eg: amputation or dysmelia).
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But the Paralympics also throw up awe-inspiring stories such as that of Marieke Vervoort. The Belgian Paralympian, who suffers from an incurable degenerative muscle disease and has gone on record saying she would choose euthanasia when she has more bad days than good ones, has won silver in the 400m wheelchair race. Such incidents indicate the need for making more playgrounds for the specially-abled. Playtime is essential for such people as it improves their hand-eye co-ordination. Also, sports help in boosting their sense of self-esteem.
The BMC should consider reserving a small space in local parks for the specially-abled. The civic body could rope in industrialists and philanthropists to sponsor these ventures. Good Samaritans should not be discouraged by long-winded protocols and red tapism.
Mumbai needs more such parks to hone the minds. There may be a hidden Paralympian here who would take his first step towards sporting glory in a playground, like this SoBo one. Let’s work together to give them their very own place to play.
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