A sports carnival organized on 10 December 2022, by Sunrise Learning Center for Autism and Special Needs — located in Noida Extension — saw a number of special schools from Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad participate in the day-long event. NRF received an invite and for the first time, participated in such an event via an individual entry. Riaan Sharma, a 9-year-old child with Autism, receives free therapy services at the Neuroaid Shakti Centre at Nangal Dewat. The team was keen to give Riaan an opportunity to participate; his mother readily agreed.
Accompanied by Dr. Monika Srivastava, our Lead Occupational Therapist, the trio set off from Vasant Vihar Metro Station to Noida Extension. The aim behind travel by public transport was to provide a unique experience to Riaan and his mother, with a clear message that economical travel was possible through public transport, and this factor should not deter the mother from allowing Riaan to explore opportunities beyond his comfort zone.
The trio arrived at Noida Extension after 90 minutes of travel by metro and auto. The mood was festive and the energy levels high. A welcome desk guided participants; refreshments were provided. The inaugural ceremony was spectacular and included a parade that the trio participated in with enthusiasm. The dance troupe performance was the highlight of the day and set the momentum for events to follow. All children including Riaan, were dancing and grooving to the music throughout.
Various sports events for all age groups were meticulously planned and executed by the staff of Sunrise Learning and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers. Play zones and rest areas ensured that participants were comfortable and kept engaged at all times. Riaan participated in the 50-meter race and ‘Shoot the Basket’ game. The cherry on the cake was that Riaan not only participated but also won the 50-meter race. He was thrilled to receive a gold medal while standing atop the winners’ stand. All children were given participation certificates too.
Riaan was fascinated with the cartoon characters of Minions and Minnie Mouse and kept going back to them to touch them. He enjoyed the play zone too that kept him busy with various tabletop activities, while he waited for his event to be announced. He enjoyed being photographed (or rather he didn’t object!) thereby giving us visual memories to last a lifetime. The trio headed back after a tiring, but thoroughly enjoyable day, with the conviction that ‘where there is a will there is a way’ is not just a proverb to be quoted, but a reality to be lived and experienced.
