Team Goemkarponn
BAMBOLIM: More than 1,600 people registered for NeuroStride 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting neurodiversity, inclusion and acceptance, organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa State Branch, in association with the IMA Medical Students’ Network (IMA-MSN) and Paradeep Phosphates Limited at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim.
Held under the theme *“Neurodiversity — Together We Care, Connect and Champion,”* the event brought together runners, healthcare professionals, students, families, institutions and members of the public to raise awareness about autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental differences.
The event featured 2.5-km, 5-km and 10-km running categories, encouraging participation across age groups and fitness levels. The morning began with a Zumba session, followed by the running events, combining physical activity with a wider message of social inclusion.
The occasion was graced by IMA Goa President Dr Shradha Patil and MS GMC Dr Rajesh Patil, and presided over by Captain Rajneesh Bharadwaj, Vice President–HR of Paradeep Phosphates Limited.
A special highlight was the felicitation of Avelino De Sa, founder of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, in recognition of his work in the disability rights sector.
The event also featured stalls showcasing products and initiatives developed by neurodiverse individuals and their families. The stalls offered a platform to highlight their creativity, skills and entrepreneurial potential while encouraging public engagement and support for their work.
Beyond promoting fitness, NeuroStride 2026 highlighted the importance of early identification, timely intervention, inclusive education, rehabilitation and sustained support for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
IMA Goa State Branch Secretary Dr Abhijit Shanbhag said NeuroStride was more than a running event and aimed to encourage society to recognise neurodiversity as a natural part of human diversity.
He stressed that individuals with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences deserved understanding, acceptance, equal opportunities and an environment in which they could thrive. The initiative, he said, sought to move beyond awareness and foster a community that genuinely embraces inclusion.
IMA Goa expressed gratitude to Paradeep Phosphates Limited, the title sponsor, along with supporting partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, students, families and members of the public who contributed to the event’s success.
NeuroStride 2026 reinforced the message that building an inclusive society requires collective action, greater understanding and sustained support to ensure neurodiverse individuals are respected, empowered and given opportunities to realise their potential.
