PANAJI
Goa came together in a strong show of solidarity and inclusion with the successful hosting of “Stride for Equality – Run for Inclusion”, an inclusive run flagged off from Miramar Circle, recently.
More than a sporting event, the initiative emerged as a collective call for dignity, equal opportunity and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The event was led by Rotary International District 3170 and jointly organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal Charitable Trust, in collaboration with the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa.
The run was attended by several dignitaries, including State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Director, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Varsha Naik, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and President, Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal Taha Haaziq, District Governor Rtn Arun Bhandare, Assistant Governor Rtn Ramesh Tiwari, and other officials.
Designed to be fully accessible, the event featured 3 km and 5 km categories, enabling participation across age groups and abilities. With accessibility support integrated throughout, participants with and without disabilities ran alongside each other, reinforcing the message that inclusion begins with equal participation.
Speaking at the event, Guruprasad Pawaskar said that “Stride for Equality is not merely a run but a strong statement that inclusion is a shared responsibility. When society comes together in such a visible and participatory manner, it sends a clear message that persons with disabilities deserve equal respect, access and opportunities in every sphere of life.”
The core objective of the event was to build a visible and collective voice for inclusion, encouraging citizens to stand with persons with disabilities and support a broader movement for social change.
