FICCI and Special Olympics Bharat jointly observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by launching the National Health Fest for Divyangjan – We Care at the FICCI Federation House in New Delhi. The Chief Guest of the event was Olympic medal-winning boxer MC Mary Kom.

The health screening initiative will reach a record 75,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 75 cities of India marking the 75 years of independence on World Health Day 2022 (7th April). The National Health Fest aims to set records for screening and training 75000 athletes across the country in a single day.

The initiative also aims to train 7500 medical and sports professionals to provide high-quality healthcare and training to athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Moreover, 750 Special Olympics Bharat Centres will be activated to develop fitness and sports through a community-based approach. The entire programme will be driven through Central and State partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

The event also featured a panel on inclusion in sports, followed by an impressive display of band and demo exercises by athletes with intellectual disabilities. Finally, an MoU for the National Health Fest was signed by FSCD (Federation of Special Care Dentistry) & AIFF (All India Football Federation) before the event concluded with a closing address by Dr Amit Bhalla, Co-Chair of Sports and Youth Affairs Committee of FICCI.