Participants at a march past during the inauguration of the meet. A Telegraph picture

Siliguri, Dec. 5: In an enthralling contest today, 419 disabled people, mainly children representing 26 institutions from the six districts of north Bengal, proved that odds can be surmounted if one has the will.

This was the 18th year that North Bengal Council for the Disabled organised the sports meet, the last four of which has been in collaboration with Lions Clubs International, District 322F. Christened Muskan 2004, the meet was held at the Siliguri College grounds.

Visually impaired, mute and mentally challenged children took part in as many as 83 events, including the 100 m and 200 m races, shotput and throwball.

Opening the meet, Maj. Gen. Noble Thamburaj, the chief of staff, 33 Corps, said physically-challenged persons should be given the opportunity to participate in mainstream life. ?Sports meets such as these encourage them to do so,? he said

A unique aspect of the meet was the visit of yoga guru Swami Ramdevji Maharaj. ?Several persons with cerebral palsy are known to have benefited by practising yoga,? he said.

He donated Rs 42,000 towards the meet, about Rs 100 for every participant.

?The meet has been growing every year,? said Sachin Gupta, the district chairperson (sports) of Lions Clubs International.

?In 2002, 390 people took part. This rose to 413 last year. But what we need is more funds and sponsorship so we can reach out to more challenged children and provide them with more facilities.?

The overall team championship went to Howrah South Point, Jalpaiguri, which was followed by Jalpaiguri Welfare Organisation.