Our Commitment to Inclusive Play and Sports
At CBM India Trust, we believe in the power of play and sports to bring people together and create truly inclusive communities.
However, many parks and playgrounds are not accessible to all, and even those that are may be failing to provide an inclusive experience—with accessible equipment often confined to specific areas of the park.
Para athletes face unique challenges, including biases and prejudices and financial demands associated with training, equipment, and assistive devices. These factors can make it difficult for them to dedicate the necessary time and resources to their sport, often struggling to balance between athletic pursuits and their livelihood.
With our work, we strive for true inclusion in play spaces and sports arenas alike.
By creating spaces where all children and adults come together and by supporting talented athletes in their pursuit of excellence, we’re not just promoting physical and mental well-being; we’re fostering empathy, challenging societal perceptions, and strengthening community bonds.
How We Do It
Ananda Mela: Kolkata’s First Inclusive Sensory Park
On October 7, 2023, we inaugurated ‘Ananda Mela’, Kolkata’s first-ever inclusive sensory park. The project was made possible through a CSR initiative by one of our corporate donors, in collaboration with the New Town Kolkata Development Authority.
The park features state-of-the-art equipment and is in line with the National Accessibility Guidelines and best practices in Universal Design. Every area and piece of equipment is carefully thought and planned so that all children can use and enjoy them independently.
Ananda Mela is more than just a park; it’s a catalyst for change, a platform for promoting social interaction, physical and cognitive development, and building stronger communities.
Helping Para Athletes Achieve Their
Athletic Dreams
In 2023, we launched an initiative to support Para athletes on their journeys to the Paralympic Games. These athletes, who compete across diverse sports such as Para badminton, wheelchair tennis, shooting Para sport, Para athletics, and Para swimming, have already achieved remarkable success in state, national, and international competitions.
By enabling these athletes to compete on the global stage, we are not only supporting their talents but also working towards the broader inclusion of persons with disabilities in sports.
Voices of Change
Experience first-hand the joy and power of inclusion.
Stories of Change
Smashing Barriers, Acing Triumphs on the Court
What does it take to become a champion? For Shilpa, a 31-year-old wheelchair tennis player and one of our sponsored para athletes, the answer...