In a bid to improve the respiratory and cardiovascular system of specially-abled students, Jamshedpur-based NGO Jeevika has introduced low-intensity exercises to keep them active and alert..

The physical workouts, which include long walks and jogging, aim at improving the nerve-muscle coordination of these special athletes, who are enjoying the activity.

According to Jeevika founder, Avtar Singh, their students walk around 8 km in the morning twice a week. “We take our students for walks along the banks of Kharkai river at Domuhani in Sonari. These exercises will help the students to shed their weight and improve their stamina. More importantly, walking up to the river bank will increase their road traffic sense,” he explained.

Singh, an National Institute of Sports, Patiala (NIS)-accredited coach, informed that their students walk and jog on a daily basis at Sonari’s Joggers' Park on a daily basis. “Our students also play with the ball. One of the students stands in the middle of a circle and throws the ball to fellow students, as per their ability,” he said.

According to Jeevika’s secretary Sukhdeep Kaur, who has done a course from Ranchi-based Deepshikha to handle specially-abled athletes, “These exercises will boost the confidence of these athletes.”

N.Sai Krisha, who won two medals (in athletics) while representing the country in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019, said, “”The workouts at Joggers' Park are very enjoyable. I really love exercising there.”

Singh, a seven-time national cycling champion, as a coach, has produced 10 medal-winning special athletes at the Special Olympics and other international competitions. He said, “To be honest, we know the IQ of our students will not improve but the workouts would help them become better citizens.”