Bengaluru, India – In a city known for its tech parks and bustling energy, a different kind of spirit is set to take centre stage. The raw, unfiltered passion of sports is about to find its most inspiring expression. On November 8th, the Garden City will play host to “Go Krida – Sports Ka Keeda,” a pioneering inter-school sports festival dedicated exclusively to children with disabilities. This isn’t just another sporting event; it’s a powerful statement of inclusion, a celebration of resilience, and a platform for young champions to shine.
What Does ‘Go Krida – Sports Ka Keeda’ Mean?
The name itself, a clever mix of Sanskrit and Hindi, perfectly captures the event’s essence. “Go Krida” translates to “Go Play,” a simple yet profound encouragement. Paired with the quintessentially Indian phrase “Sports Ka Keeda” (the sports bug), it speaks to that innate, irrepressible urge to compete, to achieve, and to experience the joy of the game, regardless of physical challenges.
A Platform for Inclusion and Ability
Organised by the non-profit organisation Aasha Foundation in collaboration with several leading schools, the Go Krida inter-school sports fest in Bengaluru aims to create a professional, encouraging, and accessible environment for specially-abled athletes. The event will see participation from over 20 schools, bringing together more than 300 children with a diverse range of disabilities, including visual and hearing impairments, locomotor disabilities, and intellectual challenges.
“For too long, the narrative around disability has been focused on limitations. We want to flip that narrative,” says Meera Desai, the founder of Aasha Foundation. “Go Krida is about ability. It’s about showcasing the sheer grit, determination, and talent of these amazing children. When they are on the track or on the field, they are not children with disabilities; they are athletes, pure and simple.”
Adaptive Sports Take Centre Stage
The day’s events have been meticulously planned to ensure maximum participation and safety for all children. The line-up for this sports fest includes a host of adaptive sports such as:
- Wheelchair races
- Boccia (a precision ball sport)
- Seated volleyball
- Modified track and field events (softball throw, standing long jump)
Each sport has been chosen to not only test physical skill but also to foster teamwork, strategic thinking, and self-confidence among the young participants.
More Than a Competition: A Community for Families
For parents, this event is more than just a day of cheering from the sidelines. It’s a moment of immense pride and a chance to connect with a larger community. “Seeing my son, Rohan, practice for his wheelchair race with such focus… it’s everything,” shares a visibly emotional Mr. Praveen Kumar, whose 12-year-old son will be competing. “Here, he isn’t different. He’s part of a team. Go Krida has given him a sense of belonging that is priceless.”
The festival is also a call to action for the wider Bengaluru community to invest more in adaptive sports infrastructure. Volunteers from mainstream schools will be on hand to assist and cheer, fostering a spirit of empathy and integration.
As Bengaluru gears up for November 8th, Go Krida – Sports Ka Keeda promises to be a day where personal bests are celebrated as loudly as winning medals and where the indomitable human spirit shines brightest. It’s an invitation to the city to come and witness not just a sports fest, but a festival of life itself.
