Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The State Para Swimming Championship 2024 organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities was held in association with Goa Paralympic Association on August 3, 2024, at SAG Swimming Pool. The event which was held for the first time received a good response with 24 participants in various disability groups such as Physically Impaired, Visually Impaired, Intellectually Impaired, Autistic, and others.
The participants were divided into two age groups Senior and National development age group.
The prizes were presented by the Minister for the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Shri Subhash Phaldessai, Secretary, V. Pallavan, IAS, Shri. Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Mayor, Corporation of the City of Panjim, Shri. Rohit Monseratte, Shri.Taha Haziq, Secretary for Office of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities in the presence of the Chairman of Para Swimming Association of India. Dr. V. K. Dabbas and Secretary of Paralympic Committee of India Jaywant Gundu Hamanawar.
Speaking on the success of the event, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar stated “We are immensely proud to organize the State Para Swimming Championship 2024, to continue our commitment in fostering inclusivity and showcasing the extraordinary talents of athletes with disabilities. This championship not only provides a platform for these athletes to shine but also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The dedication and perseverance demonstrated by our participants inspire us to continue our efforts in promoting accessibility and equality in sports”.
The event was coordinated by Sudesh Thakur and members of the Para Olympic Committee of India. Patrick D’Souza, President of Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa compered for the day-long event.
The results are as follows:
50 mtrs Free Style
* S12/S13 – Blind Category
1. Saish Paryekar – Gold
2. Myron Fernandes – Silver
* Physical Impaired – S9/S10 category
1. Manguesh Kuttikar -Gold
2. Santosh Rama Gawas – Silver
3. Ramkrishna Vithal Gawas – Bronze
* Physical Impaired – S4 Category
1. Melwyn Mendes – Gold
2. Niklesh Manohar Pednekar – Silver
3. Ritesh Vaigankar – Bronze
1. Physical Impaired – S1 Category
1. Dharmanna Kuri – Gold
2. Moises Rodrigues – Silver
* Autism SV3 Category
1. Alakh Desai – Gold
2. Arthur Jack Fernandes – Silver
3. Vihaan Damodar Chari -Bronze
* Autism SV 3
1. Keya Lotliekar – Gold
2. Criscia Dias – Silver
* Intellectual Impaired
1. Sejal Mutakekar – Gold
100 mtr free style
* Intellectual Impaired
1. Sejal Mutakekar -Gold
* Autism SV3
1. Keya Lotliekar – Gold
* Autism SV3
1. Vihaan Damodar Chari – Gold
* Physical Impaired – S4 Category
1. Melwyn Mendes – Gold
* Physical Impaired – S9/S10 category
1. Ramkrishna Vithal Gawas – Gold
2. Santosh Rama Gàwas – Silver
3. Nikhil Dhargave – Bronze
50 mtr Breaststroke
* Physical Impaired – S1 category
1. Moises Rodrigues – Gold
2. Dharmanna Kuri – Silver
* Physical Impaired -S9 Category
1. Sheron Figarado – Gold
100 mtr Breaststroke
1. Sheron Figarado – Gold