Ranchi, Sept. 22: “I want to be an ENT specialist,” said Shalini without having to strain her ears, thanks to the aid which has given her a normal hearing.

Shalini’s hearing level is above 105 decibel, five times the normal. The apt reply was made with an unmistakable panache when she had come to take part in a sports event organised for physically challenged children by Vani Vikas, an organisation working for those with hearing impairment.

Shalini did not mince words when she spoke her mind and her resolve came in consonance when she said: “My decision to be an ENT specialist is not for a lucrative career, but a mission. I would like to go for advance research in the field and try to bring forth some achievement so that I can be of help to those who are deprived of the boon of hearing,” said Shalini. Her name did not find a mention in the list of today’s participants, as she was to take part in a drawing competition scheduled for September 29.

Today’s ‘physical’ events were part of a series of competitions to be organised on World Deaf Day on September 29. A mentally challenged Nancy was not clear on what she would like to become, but her buoyancy after she took part in a 50-metre race was writ large on her face as she said: “I want to be ahead of everyone else in the race.”

Kiran came off with flying colours as she showed how fast she could ready herself for the school. In a special race — going to school — for the mentally challenged children, Abhay and Sarhad were runners-up.

In the frog race for children with hearing impairment, aged between three to ten years, Devdas Singh touched the line first and was followed by Sajid Ansari, who finished a close second and Sukhdeo Sahu who was placed in the third position.

Alma Bhengra, who bagged the first position, Ansumala Minj, and Michael, both placed in the second spot and Basanti Dhan, along with other competitors only re-affirmed their determination to defy the darkness. The girls participated in a 100-metre dash for the visually challenged.

“We have accepted what nature has decreed, but our efforts will always be to fight the never-ending darkness which has come to be a part of our lives,” said a participant.

Vani Vikas president, Vinay Kumar said: “Our efforts are aimed attotal integration of children with hearing impairment, with the normal population. We train the children to cope with challenges. Our efforts bring us satisfaction when we see the children mingling with normal children without any difficulty. Our achievement is to help the special children mix with the normal populace.”

President of Ranchi Textile Wholesalers’ Association, Prakash Chandra Seth said: “Society must extend all possible help to organisations engaged in helping physically challenged people. Their philanthropic efforts should inspire others to join them in the noble cause.”

The institutions whose children took part in today’s events were Jagat Gyan Sarovar School, Nanak Home for Physically Handicapped, State Deaf and Dumb School, State Blind School, Udhar, Srijan, Chhotanagpur Cultural Association, Prakash Punj and Michael School for Blind.“We have been organising sports events for physically challenged children since 1994,” said Vinay Kumar.