NewZNew (Chandigarh) : The AAI Paragliding World Cup 2015, which will see the world’s best Paragliders in action in a thrilling competition, also seeks to provide a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ experience for Children with Special needs. They will be provided with an opportunity to fly with the best pilots of the world in tandem flights during the event on a day earmarked for them.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Virbhadra Singh, who is very encouraging and pro-active in empowering Children with Special needs, has taken a personal interest in devoting a day fully for them.
He said some of the experienced Indian and international pilots will be enlisted to take the children on tandem flights and give them the unique experience. He also said, such specially adapted tandem Paragliding rides are available for children and even adults with a range of special needs in other western countries, but it will be done in India for the first time.
Children will be chosen from every District and Zila and these experiences will enable children to carry back best memories of the event. This will also give them a sense of ‘freedom’ and be a part of the largest Paragliding event in India and meet the best pilots in the world.
These rides will be free of charge and will give young individuals an opportunity to soar in the skies and feel freedom from any mobility, balance, or other issues they may face on the ground.
Paragliding experts contend that such flights, while empowering youngsters and adults, who have special needs, are also a form of a ‘therapeutic flying experience’.
According to President of the Billing Paragliding Association, Mr. Sudhir Sharma, who is also the Urban Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, such special days will become a frequent feature when the National Championships becomes a regular affair on the Indian Paragliding calendar. “The Chief Minister, Mr. Virbhadra Singh, has always been keen on providing greater opportunities for children and more so for those with special needs. And the AAI Paragliding World Cup would be the ideal platform to give these children a chance to ‘fly’,” said Mr. Sharma.
Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, Sr. Vice President of BPA, added that this will now become a regular feature at all Paragliding competitions in India and there will be efforts to have regular sessions for Children with special needs.
The organization will also make a request to sponsors to come out with donations to ‘teach’ and give an experience to children and adults with special needs. Children from other states could also be brought from time to time to give this experience.
