The North Goa team beat South Goa during the Blind Cricket Tournament at the GCA ground Porvorim
The Chief Electoral Officer has organised a Blind Cricket tournament between both the team to create awareness among the voters about the inclusive election initiatives of Election Commission of India for the forthcoming Goa Assembly Election.
After winning the toss, South Goa Blind Team asked the North team to bat first. North Goa opening player Yeshwant Gosavi (65 runs) and Prajyot Jha (70 runs) scored 160 without loss, setting a big target for South Goa team to win in 12 overs. However, South Goa could not chase the target and scored just 125 losing five wickets in 12 overs.
The District North Goa team received an `11,000/- cash prize, certificate and trophy. `5,500 cash prize was given to the runner up team. Participation certificates were given to the players of both the teams.
Kunal, IAS, while distributing the prizes, congratulated both the teams for showing sportsmen spirit. He pointed out that sportsmen spirit and participation in elections are interrelated. The election is a festival of democracy and in election, we need sportsmen spirit, commitment and participation for the success of democracy, he remarked.
He also said that Election Commission has set up a helpline number (1950) for all assistance. Urging the voter to participate ethically, he explained that people can call for any inquiry/complaint, if they find anyone influencing the voter by distributing freebies, using muscle power or are threatened in any manner. He further stated that absentee voter facilities have been set up for PwD electors and senior citizens above 80 years of age and they have the choice to either come to polling station or to opt for absentee voting system by casting a postal ballot at home. He also appealed PwD electors to use PwD App of Election Commission of India.
Many people acquainted themselves with EVM and VVPAT demonstrations. There was livestreaming of the match on Facebook and YouTube channel of CEO Goa. Person with Disabilities from various categories participated to see the match as well as EVM/VVPAT demonstration. Divyang Lokshahicho Rath was also made available at the venue with all accessible material related to Election including the Assured minimum facilities folder in braille for Person with Visual Impairment. Person with visual impairment also expressed their interest in creating awareness among other persons with disabilities on ethical voting and participation across Goa.