Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsWorldGames
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Breaking barriers, smashing limits: Lakshmi Jadala qualifies for Special Olympics 2027
Lakshmi Jadala won all three of his matches at the National Tennis Championship 2025 (Disability Sports) held in Gwalior to officially qualify for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Cairo. read more Lakshmi Jadala is Asia's top-ranked para-tennis player and will be aiming to scale another summit at the Special Olympic Games in Cairo two years from now. Image credit: Adani Sportsline In a resounding testament to grit, grace, and unshakable spirit, 15-year-old Lakshmi Jadala, Asia's top-ranked para lawn tennis player with an intellectual disability, clinched the Gold medal at the National Tennis Championship 2025 (Disability Sports) held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, from 10 to 14 July . With this triumphant win, Jadala has officially qualified for the Special Olympics World Games 2027, set to take place in Cairo, Egypt. Competing in the U-17 junior category, Jadala was unstoppable—winning all three of his matches in straight sets and showcasing a mastery on court that belied his age and the obstacles he's overcome. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A promising athlete under the 'Garv Hai' initiative — Adani Sportsline's flagship programme to identify, support, and nurture sporting talent across India — Jadala's journey is not just one of sporting excellence, but one of extraordinary courage. 'To win this tournament and represent India at the Special Olympics is a dream come true,' said an elated Jadala. 'I'm especially thankful to Adani Sportsline and the Garv Hai programme for their constant support and belief in me. I'm now looking forward to my preparations for the World Games.' Born with an intellectual disability, he didn't let labels define him. With every swing of his racquet, he has smashed through stereotypes, refusing to let his disability dictate the boundaries of his potential. His historic participation in international tournaments and consistent victories mark him as a trailblazer in para-sport. The 'Garv Hai' initiative is playing a crucial role in the teenager's development — offering him professional coaching, travel support, and holistic athlete management. The programme is a beacon for inclusivity in Indian sport, enabling both abled and differently-abled athletes to pursue global excellence. With eyes now set on Cairo 2027, Jadala is not just preparing for the next tournament—he's preparing to make history. Dreams of playing in the Australian Open and achieving a top world ranking are no longer distant aspirations, but tangible goals, backed by the strength of an initiative that believes in him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD


Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIBC Named Official Banking Partner of Special Olympics Team Canada Français
Multi-year partnership announced during Global Week of Inclusion will support athletes on the road to the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile TORONTO, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada is thrilled to welcome CIBC as its newest national partner and the Official Banking Partner of Special Olympics Team Canada. Announced during Global Week of Inclusion (July 14–20), an international awareness initiative led by Special Olympics to celebrate and advance inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this new multi-year partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more inclusive Canada. Across Canada, it's estimated that more than 800,000 people have an intellectual or developmental disability. More than 40,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics programs nationwide—developing skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships through local clubs, community sport programs, and competition opportunities that have meaningful impact far beyond the field of play, creating more caring and inclusive communities. Over the next number of years, CIBC will support Special Olympics athletes on their journey to the Special Olympics World Games. This partnership will help ensure Special Olympics Team Canada athletes receive essential training, health and mental preparation, and the dedicated coaching and support they need to achieve their ambitions. "At Special Olympics Canada, we know it's not disability that limits success—it's the lack of opportunity," said Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada. "This partnership with CIBC will not only help our athletes prepare to compete at the highest level, but also shine a national spotlight on their achievements as they proudly represent Canada. Together, we're showing what's possible when we invest in inclusion and ensure every athlete has the chance to reach their full potential." The pathway to the Special Olympics World Games begins in local community programs, with athletes progressing through a competitive pathway that culminates in the National Games—the qualifying event for Special Olympics Team Canada. The next Special Olympics World Games will take place in Santiago, Chile in October 2027, followed by the 2029 World Winter Games in Switzerland. "CIBC is proud to partner with Special Olympics Canada to help level the playing field and open doors for these incredible athletes," says Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice President, Purpose, Brand and Corporate Affairs, CIBC. "Together with Special Olympics Canada, we're creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their ambitions." The partnership will focus on elevating the voices and experiences of athletes who are often underrepresented in sport, shining a spotlight on their journeys by amplifying their stories from the local training grounds to the world stage and inviting Canadians to cheer them on. To launch this new partnership and to help celebrate the Global Week of Inclusion, CIBC and Special Olympics Canada are calling on Canadians to rally behind our Special Olympics Team Canada athletes. From July 17 to 20, CIBC will match every donation to Special Olympics Canada up to $10,000—doubling the impact for athletes on their Road to Santiago. ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA Established in 1974, the Canadian Chapter of this global movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the transformative power of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 Provincial and Territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build inclusive communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 40,000 athletes are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. For more information, visit ABOUT CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at


Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Special Olympics team gears up for first MENA equestrian competition
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Kuwaiti Special Olympics delegation is set to participate in the first regional equestrian competition organized by Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa. The event, hosted in Al Ain from August 24 to 28, is organized by the Special Olympics UAE in collaboration with the regional body, under the patronage of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and hosted by the Abu Dhabi Police General Command's Special Patrols Department within the Criminal Security Sector. Athletes from ten Arab countries will take part in this significant regional event, representing their respective Special Olympics programs. Hana Al-Zawawi, President of Special Olympics Kuwait and head of the Kuwaiti delegation, confirmed that three riders will represent Kuwait: Basma Al-Busaili, Maryam Diab, and Abdullah Al-Ali. Al-Zawawi highlighted Kuwait's progress in building a strong foundation in equestrian sports, noting the international and regional successes of its athletes. Rider Basma Al-Busaili earned three silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. In comparison, Abdullah Al-Ali secured two gold medals at the 2023 Special Olympics National Games in Egypt. She expressed full confidence in the Kuwaiti riders, who are training under the guidance of coaches Sarah Bou Hamdi and Mohammed Al-Kandari, to continue achieving excellence on the regional stage. Al-Zawawi also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the athletes and their families for their dedication and support, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring Kuwait's success in this important Arab sporting event.


CTV News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Athletes hope to have pickleball added to Special Olympics World Games
Athletes hope to have pickleball added to Special Olympics World Games Some Edmonton-area athletes are hoping pickleball will soon be added to the Special Olympics World Games. CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa has their story.


India.com
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actor in Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par was an Olympic gold medalist, represented India in..., his role in the movie is...
This actor in Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par was an Olympic gold medalist, represented India in..., his role in the movie is... Aamir Khan and Genelia D'Souza's much-awaited Sitaare Zameen Par has finally hit the silver screens, and is been receiving all the love and appreciation for its enriching and emotional plot. The film has introduced ten new talents, Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshka, marking their cinematic debuts with the heart-touching drama. Meet Rishi Shahani aka Sharam ji from Sitaare Zameen Par Rishi Shahani, one of the debutants, is been winning all hearts with his tremendous performance in the film. His sweet and innocent portrayal of 'Sharma Ji' will instantly make you fall in love with him. Remarkably, Rishi represented India at the Special Olympics World Games in 1999, where he secured both Gold and Silver medals in swimming. While introducing him to the audiences on social media, the makers of Sitaare Zameen Par had shared a delightful Instagram video, with a caption, 'No matter what he says…you'll end up smiling anyway. That's the effect of Sharmaji. #SitaareZameenPar trailer out now. In cinemas on 20th June.' Directed by R. S. Prasanna and bankrolled by Aamir Khan Productions, Sitaare Zameen Par released in theatres on June 20, 2025. While screenplay is penned by Divy Nidhi Sharma, its music is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. With a 3-day total box office collection of Rs 59 crore, Aamir Khan's sport drama ranks 6th among the biggest Hindi openers of the year. Word-of-mouth has become its biggest force, especially in metro cities and family audiences.