You have to fight your own battle, they say. However, it is rare that one individual's kindness and unwavering support can change the lives of hundreds of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP). These children are truly 'special' because they know how to rise against the odds in a society that disowns and discriminates against them. The inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023 underway in Delhi has not only unearthed over 1,400 athletes with special skills but also brought to light people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and away from the media spotlight working to bring a smile to young boys and girls suffering from cerebral palsy. Girija Kumari Madhu, a very unique person in the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) ecosystem, is one of them.
CP is a feared neurological condition that occurs in infancy or early childhood and permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination, usually due to abnormalities in the developing brain. There is no good data on the number of people suffering from CP in India, but Kavita Suresh, the general secretary of CPSFI, says the “number could be more than a crore.”
Girija, a normal housewife, decided three years ago to help CP children regain their identity and acquire the required skills to earn a living on their own terms. She decided to dedicate her entire life and savings to the betterment of these special children. Today shows the result.
“Three years ago, I was introduced to Cerebral Palsy football at a meeting with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). I was involved in playing football from the age of 14 as a normal kid and from my experience, I felt that football is a great game is. tool to transform a normal person. Today I am very happy that these children, who could not even walk properly, run around so well, play football and win tournaments,” said Girija.
“The conditions of these children are really terrible. Their parents lock these children in one room and don't let them go out or meet other people for fear of embarrassment. They don't get a good education. I thought if my children didn't would have been normal, then I would have silently sympathized with them. So I told myself that I had to do something about it.'
The 49-year-old Girija, who doubles as manager, was delighted to see Kerala score 21 goals without reply against Punjab in their opening match of the Khelo India Para Games group at the JLN campus on Thursday. On Friday, Kerala defeated Jharkhand by an identical margin (21-0).
Having won four national tournaments since they started competing in 2022, Kerala are favorites to win the gold at the 2023 Khelo India Para Games, with 23-year-old skipper Sijo George brilliantly at the center of a team that has an intelligent short-term race. passing game to outsmart opponents.
Girija founded the Cerebral Palsy Football Association of Kerala (CPSAK) three years ago and identified children in her hometown Alappuzha to start playing football. However, the association did not receive recognition from the Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC). It meant there was no financial support.
“She is a very special and unique woman. Someone without funding can do so much, which is absolutely amazing. Her courage and determination inspires us as a national federation,” said Kavita.
However, the headstrong mother of two did not give up and even mortgaged her gold jewelery to cover the education and food costs of the twenty CP children. A graduate of the FIFA-CIES International Program in Sports Management, offered exclusively in the South Asia region by the Pillai Institute in Navi Mumbai, Girija founded the Amogha Foundation after realizing the need to educate these children schools.
“We are training them further. We are training them in data analysis, graphic design and visual arts. They can do many things. After three months of training, we map their skills. Everyone has different skills. The first time we We have professionals from the foundation to identify the talent of each child. So this will help them earn their own living with prestige and respect. If we get better financial support, the sky is the limit,” she said.
After the foundation's story and the plight of the CP children were highlighted in a local newspaper, the Buimerc Foundation came to the rescue. They decided to finance the training and travel expenses of the team members from Kerala. The Ernakulam-based Oorjja Foundation has pledged their support in securing placements for these special children.
“The Khelo India Para Games have been a great opportunity. These Games are the right catalyst to foster a sports revolution. The Sports Authority of India has been very supportive and to see our team travel to Delhi and play with so many other special athletes is amazing. a dream come true. We are counting on support from Kerala so that we can bring more joy to people suffering from CP,” Girija said.
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