Page 77 - Sportability

RAKESH KUMAR GOSWAMI

had the privilege of conversation but are monumental for those
with Rakesh Kumar Goswami, a with disabilities. He described the
t
I able tennis 1984 Paralympian, challenge of boarding a train as an
who is now a regular at Sportability. orthopedically disabled person’s task
It was an eye-opening discussion that most of us take for granted but
about the power of sports and the that requires an enormous amount
human challenges that persons with of courage, planning, and strength
disabilities face every day. for someone with a disability. These
moments of overcoming seemingly
Rakesh ji who has learnt swimming surmountable obstacles, he
at the Sportability academy, now explained are what define the lives
devotes his time to mentoring young of people with disabilities. “We are
athletes at Sportability, boosting their always finding ways out of obstacles,”
morale, and guiding them through he said with quiet pride.
the obstacles they encounter. With
great respect for the principal, Modern School Dr Vijay One of the most striking things Rakesh Ji shared was the
Datta, and Honorary Secretary of the Board of Trustees, delicate and often misunderstood relationship between
Ms Ambika Pant, he spoke passionately about how coaches and female athletes. In many sports, physical
Sportability has changed the lives of those who for many proximity between coach and athlete is essential for
years, were confined to their homes even bed-ridden. effective training. Yet for many girls, especially those
He stressed how many of them, had they known the with disabilities, this can be a barrier. They often drop
possibilities earlier, could have become independent out of sports. They feel uncomfortable expressing their
and self-reliant much sooner. His stories were especially concern because they fear being misunderstood. Here
moving when he spoke about girls and women with again, he emphasized how just a little bit of support
disabilities. For these girls, Sportability is more than just emotional or financial makes all the difference. He
a sports space an oasis. recalled girls who had never dared to step into the water
now swimming with confidence, thanks to the care and
According to Rakesh ji, parents are quite hesitant to patience of their coach like Naresh Sachdeva ji and the
send their girl child, especially girls with disabilities safety of the environment at Sportability.
outside their home and are apprehensive about their
safety. They are worried about their children’s mental It was clear that for Rakesh ji Sportability is not just a
well-being and physical security. programme-it is a beacon of hope, setting an example
that he believes other schools will soon follow. “ You
Therefore, in this secure and supportive environment, should see the happiness on their faces”, he said,
he has seen miracles. Girls who once clung to the walls for describing how the moment some of these girls stepped
balance now swim confidently. These transformations, into the school, their faces lit up with joy and confidence.
as Rakesh ji explained, are not merely physical but that joy spreads to their families too. Once hesitant to
mental and emotional. Many girls come from families send their daughters, many parents become convinced
that face financial constraints, and it is here that the they see how safe and supported their children feel.
dedicated staff at Sportability steps in. From emotional
to financial support, the principal Dr Vijay Datta, and At the heart of our conversation was a message that
Ms Ambika Pant make sure that no child is left behind. resonated deeply: while physical or medical disabilities
are real, it is mental strength that truly defines a person’s
Rakesh Ji’s most moving anecdotes centered on the ability to thrive. Sportability is building that strength.
small victories that, to many of us, might seem trivial

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