NONGPOH: A two-day Career Guidance cum Sports Meet for people with disabilities at the state level, organised jointly by the office of the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner and the Lyntijam Welfare & Development Association (LJWDA), concluded with a grand closing ceremony on October 19 at Saiden Playground, outside Nongpoh.
At the closing ceremony, awards and trophies were distributed to the winners of the various categories.
Ferrando Speech & Hearing Centre finished first overall.
Second came Mairang Media Jyoti School, while third place went to Jyothi Sroat School, Laitumkhrah, Shillong.
A special award was also bestowed upon Tonshisha War, who was the only athlete to take part who is completely blind.
The event saw the participation of over 100 people from West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, as well as Ri-Bhoi.
At the closing ceremony, Ri-Bhoi youth leader Rayonald Kharkamni graced the occasion as chief guest in the presence of Saiden Rangbah Shnong, EK Lapang, Ferrando Speech & Hearing Centre lecturer Sr Maya and member of the Saiden Seng Longkmie and LJWDA President Sumarlang Swer.
The participants, who were hearing impaired, visually impaired, mentally disabled, etc, competed in a number of disciplines, including a 100-metre race, long jump, high jump and other modified events.
A special session on career guidance was also organised during the event.
The main aims and objective of the LJWDA in organising the event were to promote the talents of people with disabilities and also help them in getting a platform in uplifting their talents through games and sport.