TURA: Klingson Marak is not only an inspiration for many in his village, Rongsepgre, in South West Khasi Hills but also hundreds of differently-abled youths in the country.
Marak, who is visually impaired, has been chosen to play for the country in the football world cup for blind in June next year. He is being trained in Kerala.
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has extended support to the player by handing over a cheque of Rs 1 lakh to his father on the occasion of International Day of Disabled Persons in Ampati.
Dikkanchi D Shira, Mahendraganj MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Resource Mobilisation and Employment Generation Council, said the day reckons the contribution of the differently-abled to society and upholds their rights.
She emphasised the need for more NGOs in the district dedicated to the service and welfare of the differently abled and cited an example of how Sir Stephen Hawking a famous physicist despite his limitations, continued his research into theoretical physics.
DC Cyril Darlong Diengdoh said it is the mandate of the district administration to offer equal opportunities to the differently-abled.
“A lot more has to be done to provide greater opportunities to our friends with disabilities and a comprehensive district level policy on disability should be drafted,” said Diengdoh.
As part of the celebration, sports for the differently abled was held at Ampati students’ field in the morning, followed by a rally from Ampati market and back to the venue. Later, prizes and mementoes were distributed to winners by MRMEGC Chairman Dikkanchi D Shira.
