VMS Para Sports Delegation Calls on Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor

Srinagar, July 5: A delegation of Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), one of the oldest and leading organizations working for the rehabilitation and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Jammu & Kashmir, Saturday called on the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan and discussed various issues relating to the promotion and development of Para Sports in the Union Territory.

The delegation was led by Prof. Masooda Yasin, Vice President, VMS, who apprised the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor about the pioneering work being carried out by VMS under the leadership of its Founder & President, Dr.Mir Mohammad Maqbool, in the fields of rehabilitation, healthcare, special education, livelihood, assistive technologies and Para Sports.

The delegation highlighted that VMS has been actively promoting Para Sports for over a decade by providing coaching, infrastructure, rehabilitation support and opportunities to Persons with Disabilities, many of whom have represented Jammu & Kashmir at UT, National and International levels. It was emphasized that sports have emerged as an effective tool for rehabilitation, confidence building and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

A comprehensive representation was also submitted to the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor highlighting several measures required for the promotion of para sports in Jammu & Kashmir, including recognition of the proposed Para Sports Association for Disabled Persons, establishment of a dedicated indoor para sports complex , provision of sports wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, institutional support for coaching and competitions, travel assistance for para athletes, promotion of sports as an integral part of rehabilitation, and strengthening of accessibility-related infrastructure at the VMS campus. The Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor appreciated the remarkable efforts of VMS in promoting Para Sports and empowering persons with disabilities. He assured the delegation of all possible support from the Government for the promotion of Para Sports and the welfare of Para athletes in the Union Territory.

The delegation comprised Mr. Shahid Raza (Sports Coach, VMS), Ms. Insha Bashir (Captain, Womens team and an employee of VMS), Mr. Irshad Manzoor (an international level player and Staff Member of VMS) and Mr. Mohammad Rafee (Manager of the two teams & Member of VMS).

Besides Para Sports, the delegation also briefed the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor about the wide range of services being provided by VMS in the areas of rehabilitation, healthcare, special education, skill development and community-based support for persons with disabilities.

The Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor appreciated the overall contribution of VMS and expressed his desire to visit the VMS campus at Bemina to have first hand info about the facilities and future requirements of the institution.