Sports complex opens doors to special children

Islamabad: In a landmark step towards inclusive sports development, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, in consultation with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, has announced that children with special abilities will now have access to the facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

The initiative, aimed at promoting accessibility and equal opportunity, is set to benefit up to 5,000 registered students with special needs in the upcoming session, according to officials. They said a joint committee had been tasked with conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing infrastructure within two to three weeks.

The officials said the objective was to assess current accessibility standards and recommend improvements to create a barrier-free environment. They said the committee would also devise a detailed plan to customise facilities to meet the diverse needs of children with disabilities.

The officials said once the audit and planning phase was completed and approved, implementation would begin, formally opening the complex’s doors to registered students. They said the move was part of a broader government commitment to fostering inclusivity, enhancing physical and mental development and boosting confidence among children with special abilities.

“This is about levelling the playing field,” said a senior IPC official. “We want to ensure that every child, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations, has the opportunity to engage in sports and grow.”

The officials said key goals of the initiative included promoting inclusive sports, enhancing accessibility and supporting the holistic development of children with special needs. The officials expressed optimism that the initiative would not only empower thousands of children but also raise awareness about the importance of inclusive recreation in nation-building.