PANAJI: The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Paralympic Committee of India & Sports Authority of Goa is thrilled to announce the 24th National Para Swimming Championships 2024 at SAG swimming pool, Campal-Panaji from October 19-22.
The opening ceremony will be held on October 20 and will be graced by chief guest chief minister Dr Pramod Sawan alongside Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, Minister for Sports Govind Gaude, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities secretary E Vallavan, Bureau member at World Aquatics Digambar Kamat, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities director Varsha Naik and Office of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Secretary Taha Haaziq.
This year a record number of 499 participants competing in the championship from across 28 participating states/units. The number of participants this year has surpassed the previous edition record of 464 para swimmers. The competition will be held across three categories, sub junior, junior and senior.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai said that “As we gather for the National Para Swimming Championship, we celebrate the incredible sportsmanship of our participants and their determination. Goa is proud to host such a prestigious event, and we are committed to providing the support and resources necessary to help every participant explore their full potential. This event is more than a competition, it is a celebration of the Para swimmers and their journey, which is full of success already.”
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar stated that “The 24th National Para Swimming Championships showcases the incredible talent and determination of para swimmers as they compete across various categories. These athletes inspire us all with their perseverance and drive. We are committed to ensuring that Goa continues to be a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed. A special thanks to the organizing committee for their hard work in making this event a success”
To ensure fairness, para swimmers are classified based on type and extent of their disability. Swimmers with physical disabilities are allocated categories between S-1 and S-10, with S-1 corresponding to the most severe types of disability, Physical disabilities of para swimmers include single or multiple limb loss, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, dwarfism, and disabilities which impair the use of joints.
Visually impaired swimmers are allocated to categories S-11, 5-12, or S-13. Category 5-11 corresponds to totally blind swimmers, while competitors in category 5-13 have severe, but not total visual impairment. Swimmers with mental disabilities compete in category 5-14.
The events will resume on October 20th, with the Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution to be held on October 22.