In a momentous achievement for Sittruli Foundation, Gunasekaran J, the organization’s Founder, has been chosen as the Indian delegate for the prestigious Global Sports Mentoring Program. This esteemed program, organized by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, brings together 19 outstanding delegates from 16 diverse countries. These delegates have been selected for their outstanding contributions to adaptive sports and their unwavering commitment to empowering people with disabilities.
From April 9th to May 12th, 2023, Gunasekaran J embarked on a transformative five-week journey as part of this international initiative. This program is a testament to his tireless efforts and the Sittruli Foundation’s dedication to making a meaningful impact on the lives of para athletes and differently-abled individuals in India.
As Gunasekaran J represents India on this global stage, his participation underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for people with disabilities in the world of sports. This achievement not only celebrates his outstanding work but also highlights the potential for positive change when passionate individuals and organizations come together to champion adaptive sports and the empowerment of those with disabilities. The Sittruli Foundation continues to be a beacon of inspiration, leading the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
In a significant stride towards promoting inclusivity and empowering emerging talents in the world of para athletics, Sittruli Foundation, hosted a transformative event on April 15th and 16th, 2023. This event centered around an intensive Wheelchair Basketball Training camp and featured a spectrum of skill development programs, all aimed at nurturing the potential of 34 promising wheelchair basketball players. Among these participants were 23 men and 11 women, hailing from Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Karnataka states.
The event not only provided a unique platform for these athletes to enhance their skills but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and determination among the participants. The Sittruli Foundation’s unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity was palpable throughout the event. It served as a powerful reminder that, with the right opportunities and support, individuals of all abilities can aspire to achieve greatness in the world of sports.
As these 34 athletes return to their respective regions, they carry with them not only improved skills but also the spirit of empowerment and a drive to excel. We Sittruli Foundation continue to be a shining example of how organizations can make a profound impact on the lives of differently-abled individuals, offering a pathway to success and proving that the power of sports transcends all boundaries.
At Sittruli Foundation, our commitment to empowering para athletes and differently-abled individuals is unwavering. On January 29th and 30th, 2023, we organized a transformative event that left an indelible mark on the lives of 25 new participants with disabilities, comprising 20 men and 5 women, from Coimbatore and its neighboring districts. This two-day program was designed with a core focus on Wheelchair Basketball Training, fostering Para Athletic Awareness, and offering a range of skill development programs.
Inclusivity has always been at the heart of our mission, and this event was no exception. We believe that breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals facing unique challenges is essential. The event was not just about training; it was about building a sense of camaraderie and instilling a spirit of empowerment among participants.
Through skill-building activities and the collective spirit that filled the air, we at Sittruli Foundation are paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for differently-abled individuals in the region. These initiatives are a shining example of what communities can achieve when they come together with determination and support, proving that with the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards empowerment and inclusivity in the world of adaptive sports and beyond. Together, we can make a difference.
Organizing the First South Zone Wheelchair Basketball Tournament is a commendable effort in promoting inclusivity through sports. Here are some points that highlight the significance and impact of this event:
Inclusivity and Empowerment: The tournament underscores the importance of inclusivity and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. By providing a platform for para-athletes to showcase their skills, it sends a powerful message about equal opportunities and celebrates diversity.
Breaking Barriers: Wheelchair basketball is a sport that transcends physical limitations. It showcases the determination and resilience of para-athletes who excel in a challenging sport, breaking barriers and stereotypes in the process.
Regional Engagement: Hosting the event in Coimbatore, the second largest city of the State and one of the most industrialized cities in the State of Tamil Nadu, known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South and conducting the “First South Zone Wheelchair Basketball Tournament” highlights the regional engagement and encourages participation from the Southern Part of India. This helps in spreading awareness and fostering talent in the region.
Community Support: It’s likely that the tournament garnered substantial community support and participation, demonstrating that when communities come together, they can create opportunities for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Inspirational Platform: The tournament serves as an inspirational platform for both para-athletes and the broader community. It showcases the incredible talent and determination of individuals with disabilities and inspires others to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Future Impact: Events like this can have a lasting impact on the lives of para-athletes. They not only provide a stage for competition but also contribute to the overall development and well-being of the participants.
Visibility: By organizing this tournament, the Sittruli Foundation has contributed to increasing the visibility of wheelchair basketball in the region, potentially attracting more interest and support for the sport.
Promoting Sportsmanship: Sports tournaments promote values like sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. These values are equally important for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, and can positively impact the lives of all participants. Overall, Sittruli’s First South Zone Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the prestigious PSG Institution Indoor Basketball Court on March 27th till 29th 2022, is a significant step in promoting inclusivity, breaking stereotypes, and celebrating the abilities of para-athletes. It sets a precedent for similar events and initiatives that can make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and the community as a whole.
Sittruli Foundation organized the highly anticipated 5th Tamilnadu Wheelchair Basketball State Championship on April 9th and 10th, 2022. This exciting event took place at the prestigious Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation Center in Koundampalayam, Coimbatore
The Sittruli Foundation, known for their dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities, showcased their commitment to creating opportunities for wheelchair basketball players across Tamilnadu. This championship served as a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
Wheelchair basketball has gained immense popularity in recent years, and events like these highlight the incredible talent and determination of the participants. The Sittruli Foundation’s initiative not only provides a competitive environment but also raises awareness about the sport and encourages more people to get involved.
By organizing this championship in collaboration with the Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation Center, Sittruli Foundation has taken another step towards breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in sports. The event brought together athletes from different backgrounds, fostering camaraderie and teamwork while showcasing their exceptional abilities on the court.
Overall, the 5th Tamilnadu Wheelchair Basketball State Championship organized by Sittruli Foundation was a resounding success. It not only celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship but also highlighted the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for all individuals.
The Track Force Football Club based out of Kuniyamuthur, Coimbatore approached Sittruli to include the Wheelchair basketball game to their yearly differently abled sports festival “Abled Kovai Trophy”. We accepted and organised the first 3on3 tournament under the Abled Kovai Trophy banner for the Wheelchair basketball teams from Chennai, Vellore, Pondichery and Coimbatore.
All the districts except chennai came with two Men teams and three Women team were split with the available players. They all competed against each other in group format. All the matches till finals were organised at Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation Center, Kavundampalayam, Coimbatore. The Finals happened at NS School, Kuniyamuthur, where all the other events Football, Sitting Volleyball and Shotput were organised.
Chennai and Vellore competed in the Finals and Chennai eventually won the tournament. Vellore-B team and Coimbatore bagged the third and fourth position respectively.
Coimbatore Men’s team traveled to Chennai to participate in the 3on3 Tournament organised by a Private NGO. They played against 7 teams came from different districts in Tamilnadu and Won the finals.
Congratulations to the Coimbatore Players Klinton, Mani, Deepak and Hari !!
Run for Wheels 2019
The Second edition of our Run for Wheels Marathon was held at Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation center, Koundampalayam, Coimbatore on 21st July, 2019. The Aim of this marathon was far bigger than what we intended in our first edition. We wanted to,
Let the Marathon Participants know the real cause they ran for and feel the importance of Para sports by arranging a high profile Wheelchair Basketball Match.
Buy Sports Wheelchairs from the fund raised through marathon and show the participants the part they played by joining this Run.
Felicitate Tamilnadu Wheelchair Basketball Women and Men team, who won 2nd and 3rd place in the National Tournament in June 2019, in the hands of our Honorable district collector and also in front of our Coimbatore Crowd.
Award the Coimbatore Wheelchair Basketball players, who represented Tamilnadu team in the National Tournament.
The amount of energy needed in organizing this event is tremendous and was perfectly supplied by the Cognizant Outreach Volunteers starting Saturday 20th June, 2019 morning. Participant running kit was distributed starting Saturday evening 4.00pm as planned and went on till 9.00pm. As the marathon day broke, Participants started flew in with more interest in enjoying the run and also to witness what was promised to be a memorable moment at the end of the Run.
Honorable Superintendent of Police Mr.Sujit Kumar I.P.S reached the venue sharp at 5.45am and took part in the Pre-Marathon Zumba conducted by the fitness partners ESFA team. As the Day dawn was seen, he flagged of the 10km run and also participated in the same run as a runner. The Chairman of Ganga hospitals, Prof Dr.S.Rajasekaran and his wife Mrs.Ramadevi together flagged of the 5km and 3km run. The entire Police team of SP office joined the 10km run along with Sujit sir.
With the help from the local Police, the heavy traffic in the morning was properly diverted and maintained. Participants were given the entire space of the mettupalayam road with minor traffic hurdles to enjoy the run. By near 7.00pm, most of the participants reached the ground for a Post-Marathon Zumba and our Tamilnadu Wheelchair Basketball Players started warming up for the grand show.
The honorable District Collector, Mr.Rajamani I.A.S, reached the ground by 7.15am and inaugurated the special match. The Match impressed every audience present in the campus and everyone started to feel every move of the players with atmost interest. At the end of first Quarter, Gunasekaran J, Founder of Sittruli Foundation, address the dignities and the crowd. He stressed on the need of a unique para sports academy, which is not available in the state, for differently abled played to practice their loved sport and excel in it. He also added that Coimbatore is one of the best places to build the academy as there are noble minds like Ganga, who built a professional Basketball court in 25 days for the wheelchair basketball training run by Sittruli Foundation. He also showed the two wheelchairs bought from the fund raised through the marathon.
Post the second half of the match, Honorable collector awarded the Tamilnadu team with the National Trophies. After which, he promised the players and crowd that he would take the proposal of Para sports academy to government and help to build the first academy in Coimbatore. Following which, Dr.Rajasekaran Sir thanked Collector and added that if government could lend the land for para sports academy, he could source funds upto Rs.10 Crores for building the academy.
Post the presentation, the match continued for the participants to enjoy and at the end of the Match, Mr.Sujit Kumar IPS honored the marathon winners and the coimbatore wheelchair basketball players on stage.
With more than what was intended covered in the Marathon and with almost all participants satisfied with what they have witnessed on the day, the marathon came to a successful closure. The Volunteering team marked the right closure by taking a group snap with the chief guests.
“We thank each and every noble heart, who supported and been with us in the successful completion of this second edition of Run for Wheels Marathon” – Sittruli Foundation.
First ever Wheelchair basketball tournament in Coimbatore – Tamilnadu State Championship 2019
When Tamilnadu Wheelchair Basketball Association requested Sittruli Foundation to organize the State Championship in Coimbatore, we never expected that we would have a brand new ground in the next 25 days in the Ganga spine Injury Rehabilitation Center Campus. But they did and accommodated the first ever wheelchair basketball tournament in Coimbatore.
We had four district player Chennai, Vellore, Coimbatore and Kallakurichi in the tournament. We had four men and two women team participating and showcasing their energy beyond being differently abled.
The Inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr.Shanmuganathan sir and Mrs.Sindhuja Rajasekaran, from the family of Ganga hospitals.
Cognizant outreach’s Coimbatore wing took care of the Food, Transportation, Trophies/Medals and Volunteering part of the Tournament.
Most of the matches were held in the flood lights during the first night, to avoid players from playing in hot sun. On the final’s day we had the entire Ganga family along with the major dignities of Coimbatore Rotary club and Motivation India members. The event impressed every one of the audience assembled on the Final day and ended on a energetic note and support form the dignities to support Sittruli in creating the Para Sports academy in Coimbatore.
Run for Wheels Marathon was held at Ganga Spine Injury Rehabilitation center, Koundampalayam, Coimbatore on 21st July, 2019. The Aim of this marathon was far bigger than what we intended in our first edition. We wanted to,
