Adventures aplenty in Festival; Physically challenged too exhibit their skill

Mangalore, January 14: A physically challenged youth of Uttar Pradesh could not stop himself from participating in the adventure activities as part of ongoing 17th National Youth Festival in the city.

The air at Nehru Maidan was filled with energy, zeal and curiosity. Eighteen years old Uttam, affected by polio since childhood, took his plunge in adventure activities by entering into a Spider Web without even caring for a moment about the risk involved. He accomplished his maiden attempt without any external assistance which astonished everyone present there. Uttam signified the streak of adventure in every one of us. Despite of his limitations, Uttam came to Mangalore in search of employment.

Like Uttam, other people from every class and age group were also excited to examine their courage by experiencing the available adventure activities. New experience was enough for their joy, entertainment and confidence. The Adventure camp is attracting young people from every walk of life.

Twenty-seven year old K. Shrinivasan, a principal of a school in Karimnagar district of Andra Pradesh, took part in Burma Bridge adventure activity. It was his first experience. While sharing his experience he said, “Such activities are very useful for everybody. This experience will help in disaster situation.” Seven-year old Surya took part in Fox Flying, an adventure activity 30-feet above the land. Initially he feared to do so but ultimately when he reached his destination successfully, he was very cheerful and bursting in confidence.

Eyes of fourteen-year old Iftikhar were full of tears, not of fear or sorrow but happiness. After experiencing adventure activity he said that no poor person would think they could take part in such type of activities in their life without any cost. He said that this was an opportunity given by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan to the deprived young people.

Eighteen-year old Bhojamma, a BCA student of Mangalore shared her experience after taking part in Zorbing Ball. She said, “It was being in space as she only heard about it.” Her friend Teena said Zorbing Ball activity experience is like joy of heaven on land. A state NSS awardee, Shweta from Bangalore, feels that all the activities are unimaginable.

All the adventure activities at Nehru Maidan are conducted under the supervision of R.K. Kundoo, Nodel Officer of Adventure Camp. He said that a trained team, under technical expert Magan Bissa, is providing services for conducting the adventure activities in the safest manner.