New Delhi: India
Autism Center (IAC), a pioneering not-for-profit organisation committed to
building an inclusive, world-class ecosystem for individuals on the autism
spectrum and those with associated neurodevelopmental conditions, and the
organisation behind Samaavesh, India’s largest residential care facility
dedicated to autism support and care has entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Special Olympics Bharat, the National Sports
Federation recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government
of India. The collaboration aims to advance inclusive sports opportunities,
enhance access to structured training, and strengthen support systems for
athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering greater
participation, confidence, and holistic development.
The MoU, effective from 11 June
2026 for a period of three years, was signed today by Mr. Jaishankar
Natarajan, Director & Chief Executive Officer, IAC Patrons Foundation,
and Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat and
Chairperson - Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC), marking a
significant step towards building a long-term partnership and an inclusive
sports ecosystem that enables individuals with special needs to participate,
develop their skills, and realise their full potential.
The collaboration brings together
IAC’s expertise in therapy, education, rehabilitation, and inclusive
development with Special Olympics Bharat’s extensive experience in
conducting sports and development programmes for individuals with intellectual
disabilities across India. As part of the partnership, IAC Sports Center
will serve as a dedicated venue partner for Special Olympics Bharat, offering
infrastructure and facilities to support sports training, practice sessions,
competitions, tournaments, and inclusive recreational activities for special
athletes in Kolkata. IAC will also extend support towards organising training
camps, workshops, assessments, and regional sporting initiatives, while
ensuring accessibility, safety, and seamless coordination for all participants.
Special Olympics Bharat will
formally acknowledge IAC Sports Center as a venue partner across its
official digital platforms, including its website, application, and social
media channels, further amplifying awareness around inclusive sports and
highlighting the importance of creating equal opportunities for athletes with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.
Jaishankar Natarajan, Director & Chief Executive Officer, India Autism
Center, said,
"At IAC, we believe that every individual deserves opportunities to
discover their abilities, build confidence, and participate meaningfully in
society. This partnership with Special Olympics Bharat is an important
milestone in our journey towards creating inclusive platforms where individuals
with autism and developmental disabilities can experience the transformative
power of sports. Through structured training, accessible infrastructure, and
community participation, we aim to empower athletes to build independence,
confidence, and a strong sense of achievement."
Dr. Mallika Nadda, President,
Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson of Special Olympics Asia Pacific
Advisory Council (APAC), said, "Sports have the unique
ability to bring people together, build confidence, and create pathways for
inclusion. Our collaboration with IAC will help expand opportunities for
athletes with intellectual disabilities by providing them with accessible training
spaces and a supportive environment. We look forward to working together to
strengthen grassroots participation and enable athletes to progress towards
higher levels of sporting excellence."
The partnership will also explore
collaborative research initiatives in adaptive sports, autism, inclusion, and
community participation, along with opportunities for joint publications,
knowledge development, and outcome-based frameworks. Through this collaboration,
both organisations aim to enhance sports participation, strengthen athlete
development, build capacity among coaches and volunteers, and create
sustainable pathways for athletes to progress from grassroots training to
national and international platforms.