Attendees during the International Day for Persons with Disabilities observance organised by the SON at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo Duncan Bosti on December 3. (Photo Courtesy: SON)
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 4 (MExN): Special Olympics Bharat–Nagaland (SON) marked its first observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) alongside its Annual Special Christmas on December 3 at the Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), Duncan Bosti.
According to SON, the event sought to highlight inclusion, recognition and community participation.
SON informed that the inaugural ‘Distinguished Service Award for Disability Inclusion and Holistic Empowerment’ was conferred on Nungsangmongla, its long-serving Chief Coach.
The award, which included a cash component, was endorsed and co-signed by Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Dr Tinojungshi Chang and presented by Moamongla, Associate Pastor (Women), DABA.
Nungsangmongla has been involved in disability-related work for more than 25 years through inclusive education, Special Olympics sports, community mobilisation and home-based rehabilitation, SON said.
She and her husband, Meren, have adopted six children with Down syndrome, it added.
The programme featured performances from St Mary Montessori Higher Secondary School, Christian Higher Secondary School, Little Angels Home, Exodus and several NGOs. The Merangkong Marching Band (MMB) presented Christmas carols during the event.
Expressing gratitude, SON acknowledged the support of partner organisations including DABA, MMB Party, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission Dimapur, Inner Wheel Club of Dimapur, Grace Nursing and Health Science Institute and other contributors whose assistance, it stated, enabled the day’s celebrations.
SON further informed that Christmas gifts and travel allowances were provided to all persons with disabilities, followed by a community meal.
It also highlighted that its special athletes have earlier received National Awards from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 2015 and 2022, and have won more than 140 national and international medals.
The day marked a significant step in promoting inclusion and recognising contributions within the disability movement in Nagaland, the press release stated.
