16.04.2024
Special Olympics Bharat
For Prelims: About Special Olympics Bharat, Key facts about the Special Olympics International, What is Intellectual Disability?
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Why in the news?
Special Olympics Bharat (SOB), a National Sports Federation of India is forming district units across Tamil Nadu through elections on April 22.
About Special Olympics Bharat:
- It is a National Sports Federation registered under the Indian Trust Act 1882 in 2001 and is accredited by Special Olympics International to conduct Special Olympics Programs in India.
- It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India as a National Sports Federation in the Priority Category, for development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
- It is a designated Nodal Agency for all disabilities on account of its national presence and experience, especially in rural areas which account for nearly 75 percent of the disabled population in India.
- It is a social inclusion movement using sports, health and education and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Key facts about the Special Olympics International:
- It is a program to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities who are eight years of age or older with year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
- It was inaugurated in 1968 and was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee on February 15, 1988.
- Headquarters : Washington, D.C. USA
What is Intellectual Disability?
- Intellectual disability is characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning (generally regarded as IQ below 70) combined with impairment in carrying out varying aspects of daily life and adapting to the normal social environment.
Source: The Hindu