DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): The Youth Summit 2025 – Nagaland, organised by Special Olympics Bharat-Nagaland (SON) in collaboration with St. Mary’s Montessori Higher Secondary School (SMMHSS), celebrated inclusion, leadership and unity with the participation of special athletes, teachers, parents and youth leaders.
Chief Guest Wiridin, SDO (Civil), representing the Deputy Commissioner, praised SON’s achievements and pledged full support, urging society to “humble ourselves to serve those ignored by society.”
From the Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) National Office, resource persons Aditi and Yashika, a youth leader with intellectual disability, inspired participants through World Games highlights, athlete-led activities and a roundtable with teachers and parents. They reminded everyone that inclusion is not charity but justice, with Yashika’s journey standing as proof that opportunity unlocks ability.
The summit also elected three Athlete Leaders, three Mentors and three Youth Leaders for upcoming NYIC and NAIC online national training programs. However, the Kohima summit was cancelled due to safety concerns.
SON highlighted that Nagaland’s special athletes have won over 130 medals at National and International Games, outperforming mainstream athletes of the State. Yet, the absence of travel reimbursement post-pandemic has restricted their participation in National championships and programs, limiting opportunities despite their interest and proven talent.
Expressing gratitude to SMMHSS, the first school in Nagaland to open its doors to children with special needs, SON recalled the milestone of two of its special students representing India from Nagaland at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games in Australia.
The Area Director of SON extended sincere gratitude to Dr. Mallika Nadda, President SOB, resource person from SOB, participating schools, NGOs, families and well-wishers whose support and donations have made the event a success, and above all, to the dedicated SON team that has served selflessly towards the Special Olympics mission without any honorarium or salary since 2009.
