Cheshire Home inmates with Sudhir Mahto (centre) in Jamshedpur on Tuesday. Telegraph picture

If Dhanbad organised a party and Ranchi hosted a series of events to mark world disability day on Tuesday, Jamshedpur also did something special.

The day began with some differently abled players taking over armoury grounds to show their true sportsman spirit. The sports-meet-cum-mela, which was organised by urban services department of Tata Steel, was also attended by the special athletes’ parents and trainers.

Students from School of Hope, Asha Kiran, Jharkhand Viklang Manch, Parents’ Association of Mentally Handicapped of Jamshedpur, Astitva, Blind Workshop, Cheshire Home and Bal Vihar turned up much before time. The events started sharp at 1.30pm.

Girls and boys were divided into three categories — Under-10, Under 15 and Above-15. Their limitations notwithstanding, more than 300 children participated in short-distance runs, walk, wheelchair run, tricycle race and passing the ball.

While some won, many lost. But everyone enjoyed every moment of the two-hour programme.

The institutes also displayed handmade products made by the special students like candles and incense sticks on the occasion.

“I love to run and have fun,” chirped Sumit Kumar from Jharkhand Viklang Manch, who finished fourth in the 100m walk.

For Sunita Kumari, who wanted to win the 50m walking race but couldn’t, participation was important.

“I am happy to take part in the events,” she smiled.

The top three participants in each event got gift coupons. While the winner walked away with a gift coupon of Rs 100, the second and third received coupons of Rs 75 and Rs 50, respectively. “They can redeem these coupons at any Suvidha store,” said an official.

Tata Steel vice-president (corporate services) Sunil Bhaskaran graced the occasion as the chief guest. “The aim was to instil a sense of equality,” said urban services manager Basant Singh.

While the little ones and the adolescents had an action-packed day, a thought was also spared for those at care homes.

Members of Anima Das Memorial Charitable Trust spent time with inmates of Cheshire Home, an address for the mentally challenged. Former deputy chief minister Sudhir Mahto and Trust founder P.N. Das accompanied distributed lunch packets and cakes.