Supporting Special Needs artisans…

The Abilympics are National and International skill competitions that promote vocational excellence and employability among persons with disabilities. In India, the Abilympics are organized by the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI) in collaboration with partner organizations, like Sarthak Educational Trust.  In Nov-2025, the 12^th National Abilympics were conducted in Delhi, following four regional level events, held across the country throughout the year.

The President of SETU served as a jury member for the Basket Weaving category, during all the Regional and National Abilympic Competitions. Beyond the jury responsibilities, SETU actively contributed to identifying and mentoring a deserving special needs candidate from Srinagar.

SETU’s key interventions involved:

• Identification, counselling, and motivation of a special needs candidate
• Sponsorship of to-and-fro travel from Srinagar to Delhi for the candidate and his escort
• Assistance in arranging raw materials & tools for basket weaving
• Organizing training sessions for regional-level winners prior to the national competition

The supported candidate, with locomotive disability, won the National Abilympics 2025 in the Basket Weaving category. He is now a potential participant for the International Abilympics in Finland, 2027.

The trainings & counselling enhanced all the participants’ skills, confidence, and livelihood prospects. The project reflects SETU’s commitment to inclusion, skill development, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.