NN Online:
The Disabled Welfare Society (DWS) – in collaboration with Sightsavers’ Equal Bangladesh campaign – has successfully hosted a two-day national chess competition for visually impaired players.
The event took place on Monday-Tuesday at the National Liberation War Museum in Agargaon, Dhaka. This event was a part of the celebrations for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, aligning with this year’s theme of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities.
The tournament brought together forty visually impaired chess players from across Bangladesh, creating a vibrant platform for showcasing their remarkable skills. The competition generated immense enthusiasm among participants, many of whom expressed their excitement at being part of this unique event, read a press release issued Tuesday.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Founder Trustee of the Impact Foundation Monsur Ahmed Choudhuri, Country Director of Sightsavers Bangladesh Amrita Rejina Rozario, and Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion Mohammad Zahidur Rahman. Director of the National Foundation for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons (JPUF) Md Amzul Haque attended as the chief guest in the prize giving ceremony.
DWS Executive Director Morjina Ahmed emphasised the need for increased opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in sports and said, “In Bangladesh, people with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired, rarely have the chance to participate in sports. Through this chess competition, we wanted to demonstrate their incredible potential and advocate for greater inclusion in sports.”
A disability-inclusive state ensures equal opportunities for people with disabilities in every aspect of life, including sports. Unfortunately, they are often denied participation, limiting their avenues for recreation and social engagement. Initiatives like this competition are essential to breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where people with disabilities can thrive in sports and beyond.
Bappy Sarker, the winner of the tournament, expressed joy and gratitude, saying, “I am thrilled to have participated in this competition. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase our talents and connect with others. I sincerely thank the Equal Bangladesh campaign and DWS for organising such an inclusive event.”
The competition concluded with participants being honoured for their achievements, inspiring future efforts to promote disability inclusion in sports. Three best players and a champion woman player were awarded with prize money. The event underscored the importance of creating an Equal Bangladesh where people with disabilities can access equal opportunities to participate and excel.
About Sightsavers
Sightsavers (Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind) is the UK’s leading international non-government organisation, working across 33 developing countries since 1950 to combat avoidable blindness, provide support to promote social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities and ensure economic empowerment and inclusive education for children with disabilities.
Since 1973, Sightsavers has been working in Bangladesh and has marked its 50th anniversary in Bangladesh in August 2023. Sightsavers is registered in the UK as the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind, charity numbers 207544 and SC038110, and under the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh registration number 007.
