In a first of its kind initiative by the Relief Organisation (M), a sports carnival titled “Waliv Gindav” (Let’s Play), brain child of K K Sidha, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) was declared open by Nazim Zai Khan, Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R) at Migrant Camp, Jagti here today.
Sidha, while giving details about the carnival, said that the 5 day carnival is being held from 19th to 23rd of December, 2022, in which over 1000 migrant children/athletes, both boys and girls, are participating in 14 different games.
He said that it is for the first time that para-games are being organized with support from NGO Jigar Foundation in which more than 86 para athletes are participating. The most important feature of the carnival is that the Relief Department has constructed special wheelchair racing track for the para athletes at playground Jagti which is the only facility created in the UT for them.
The initiative has been successful with the collaboration of various departments like Tourism, Youth Services and Sports, Information Department, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, NGOs Rising Athletes of J&K and JIGAR Foundation.
Nazim Zai Khan complimented the Relief Orgnisation for the initiative to encourage, empower and evolve the children to the best of their abilities. He also praised the collaboration and good work done by the Rising Athletes of J&K towards encouragement of sports in migrant children and making migrant camps places of opportunities and zeal.
He assured that such initiatives shall be a regular affair. The event also showcased the rich Kashmiri culture and traditions which the younger generations were made aware of through Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
Besides the students, athletes, teachers, camp inmates Secretary AACL, Bharat Singh; Special Secretary, Suraj Rukwal; Director Finance, Kulbushan; SSP Jammu, Chandan Kohli; Joint Director Information Jammu, Sapna Kotwal and other officers from various line departments were present on the occasion.
Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner expressed gratitude to the line departments for their support. He also appreciated the team of officers and officials of Relief Organization (M) and voluntaries of Rising Athletes and Sandhya of JIGAR Foundation in making this carnival a success.