Tapping into potential of special needs persons

This refers to the editorial, “Sporting special abilities” (August 10). There's no denying that India has much potential in every sphere of activity, including sports. The excellent performance of the 275-member Indian contingent at the Special Olympic World Summer Games in los Angeles this year speaks volumes about Indian abilities that often go untapped. Bagging 173 medals, while competing against giants like the US and China, is no easy task. It is proof of determination and perseverance. 

It was a pleasant surprise that the managing body, Special Olympics Bharat, had selected many sportspersons from a Government-run shelter in Delhi. Taking a cue from the successes of Special Olympics Bharat, which works with sportspersons who have intellectual disabilities, the Paralympics Committee of India, which works with physically challenged sportspersons, should get its act together. The two could come up with new ideas to tap into the potential of special-needs persons.