In any fair competition, a level playing field is paramount. Only then can victory be truly earned, and each participant can have a clear measure of their skills.
The 2023 World Games in Berlin were a highly anticipated platform for athletes from all over the world to showcase their talent and hard work. For some, like cyclists from Special Olympics Bharat (India) and Special Olympics Pakistan, their sporting dreams were initially limited by poor quality bicycles and gear. In fact, during an earlier World Games in 1999, both countries’ teams had to contend with damaged bicycles due to poor transportation practices.
Reflecting on these challenges, Satbir Singh Sahota, coach of Special Olympics Bharat, said: “Most athletes are from below the poverty line. It is very difficult for them to keep up, especially in a sport like cycling where bicycles and equipment are costly. Unlike sports like football or basketball, you need good equipment.”
Tracy Lea, a longstanding Special Olympics (SO) volunteer official for global cycling events, was one of those who noticed the lack of proper equipment for teams from India and Pakistan back in 1999. She recalled seeing the bicycle frames from the two teams crushed as they had been shipped in cardboard boxes rather than hard, protective cases.
After seeing a repeat of broken and substandard equipment over the years, Tracy canvassed multiple companies hoping for donations. However, efforts to secure proper equipment for the Indian and Pakistani delegations had often fallen short.
Finally, in 2022, a breakthrough came when Gina Vanderloop, CEO of ROI Solutions, made a pivotal US$10,000 donation. This critical financial gift enabled the purchase of new bikes, helmets, and spare parts for both teams. The logistical challenges of shipping were also overcome with the support of Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP), who managed direct and timely delivery to India and Pakistan so that athletes from both countries could train properly for the upcoming games.
The coaches even participated in a joint training session conducted by Lea ahead of the World Games in Berlin, picking up tips on packing the bicycles safely in hard cases and learning what important spare parts are needed, when travelling for major competitions.
Adil Lakho, coach of SO Pakistan, added, “There is a huge difference and impact that SOAP and SO Pakistan has created after these athletes join the movement. The positive experiences and sense of community the athletes gain here will equip them to become productive members of society upon returning home.”
With the new equipment and gear in hand, athletes like V. Indu Prakash and Mughees Alam were able to shine on the global stage. Prakash even went on to win gold in the 1km time trial.
As Satbir Singh Sahota aptly summarised, “We are thankful for the donations of excellent cycles because of which we are here today. We couldn’t come to the Games with our regular cycles. This would not have been possible without all the help we received.”
He added, “Winning medals is secondary. Our primary focus is reintegrating them back into mainstream society. Inclusion is a core value of Special Olympics. My goal is for them to become independent and stand on their own.”
Reflecting on the broader significance, Tracy Lea observed, “Politics can sometimes divide India and Pakistan, but in Special Olympics, the focus is always on the athletes and creating a space for them to thrive.”
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