Special Olympics Bharat

16.04.2024

Special Olympics Bharat

Why 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:

• It is a National Sports Federation 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 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.
• It is a social inclusion movement using sports, health and education and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.

Key facts about the Special Olympics International:

• It is a program to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities who are eight years of age or older with year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
• It was inaugurated in 1968 and was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee on February 15, 1988.
• Headquarters : Washington, D.C. USA

What is Intellectual Disability?

• Intellectual disability is characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning (generally regarded as IQ below 70) combined with impairment in carrying out varying aspects of daily life and adapting to the normal social environment.

                                  Source: The Hindu