Special Olympics Bharat Athletes promote health and fitness on the Eighth International Day of Yoga

International Yoga Day : Yoga sessions around the theme of the year, “Yoga for Humanity”, revitalised masses across 75 heritage sites in India, organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India, marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as well.  81 Athletes, family members and officials from SO Bharat, Delhi, joined approx. 13000 persons present at the Lal Quila (Red Fort) in the wee hours this morning. Jantar Mantar and the Lotus temple were the other venues earmarked for the activity in Delhi. The venues witnessed a high presence of Government officials participating in the event. This was for the first time that the Athletes participated in the Govt- organised Yoga event.

Sumant Kale, Athlete leader from Madhya Pradesh led a virtual yoga session on 18 June, having planned it with his Unified Partner Rohit and co- Athlete leader, RithikHukku.Sumant was also invited by the SOS Village Bhopal, to lead the session for the residents along with his father this morning as well. For both, Sumant and his father, Yoga is a daily routine that they observe, most of the times, together. Being particular about fitness Sumant, spends about 2 hours daily at a nearby fitness center. He cycles to the center and practises Badminton, gym, yoga and Zumba there.

Sahil Singh, Athlete leader from UP has been practising Yoga since 2009 when he joined his school – Study Hall in Lucknow.Study Hall is an integrated school and also a Unified School, made so through the support of SNF (Stavros Niarchos Foundation). Sahil leads the daily Yoga sessions with one class or the other covering both, the mainstream as well as the special wings.  This morning he led a virtual session for about 100 Athletes, Coaches and family members through his school and another in the evening for the Downs Syndrome Society, on invitation.

178 Athletes join the celebrations at NIEPID Secunderabad, Telangana, along with parents & staff and with the students of SEC (special education center) &Department of adult independent living.