Special Olympics Jharkhand (SOJ) has planned to celebrate Independence Day by distributing Covid essentials among Children With Special Needs (CWSN).

The SOJ has identified four rural pockets in Karandih suburb and Patamda, 35 km from Jamshedpur where facemasks, hand sanitisers and soaps will be handed over to the families of the differently abled.

“The initiative is being undertaken with help from Lions International and Ludhiana-based Aruna Abey Oswal Trust. We have received Rs 90,000 for purchasing the essentials needed for distribution,” said SOJ assistant area director Satbir Singh Sahota.

Speaking to The Telegraph Online, Sahota said the initiative is slated for August 15.

“We think it will be an apt occasion to spend time with special children. We will also spread awareness on the importance of social distancing among the parents of special athletes,” he added.

Banners with messages of staying safe and healthy have already been procured while facemasks, hand sanitisers and soaps will be shortly purchased from the wholesale market.

Sahota, a former international-level cyclist based in the steel city, said that they have identified four hamlets – Srijan Tola and Dharmu Tola in Karandih (on the outskirts of Jamshedpur) and Bedar Harijan Tola and Sundar Tola in Patamda block of East Singhbhum.

According to him, two hand sanitisers and 10 face masks will be distributed among each family, adhering to Covid protocol.

“A total of 150 differently-abled families will receive the essentials,” Sahota said, adding the district welfare department will assist them in facilitating distribution.

“We have conducted sports camps for special athletes at the four identified hamlets. The differently-abled are bereft of basic facilities and we thought of helping them out in these difficult times. We are thankful to Lions International and the Aruna Abey Oswal Trust for lending their support for a noble cause,” Sahota said.

Besides Jharkhand, the sponsors have also helped the needy in Bengal and Odisha.

Some special children of the four earmarked hamlets have also participated in events conducted by the SOJ.

“We have plans to resume our activities once the Covid-related situation improves. More rural pockets will be brought under the ambit of our sports camps. We are trying hard to bring the CWSN to the mainstream,” Sahota said.