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Chennai Children With Autism Swim 165 KM For Inclusivity
![IMG-20240224-WA0997 Olive Ridley Turtle hatcheries along Tamil Nadu's coast are turning climate change resilient to guard turtle eggs and baby turtles from rising temperature and heavy rains.](https://tellmystory.in/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/IMG-20240224-WA0997-qkbwd7r24r4obzj7jp1qp4f3jcxhj3nd5eklpif9kw.jpg)
In what’s being seen as a first of its kind, fourteen children in Autism spectrum from Chennai set a record, swimming 165 KM in the Bay of Bengal ocean to raise awareness on Autism and inclusivity. The relay expedition from Cuddalore to Chennai in four days has also set three records including Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records.
The children with varying spectrum – mild, moderate and high had learnt swimming from a professional since childhood. The expedition was meticulously planned. While one of them was in the waters always, a stand by swimmer was on a boat and others joined ahead of their turn on this 6 AM to 6 PM relay expedition that stretched to four days. “We want awareness on Autism and acceptance” said Balaji a parent. He added “These children have lot of potential and the aim is to bring them out and give them the opportunity they deserve”.
The children including a girl and an adult were trained by Yadhavi Sports Academy for Special Needs. They were put on physiotherapy, gym and strengthening regime for six months. “We did not choose them on the basis of their age or gender but purely on the basis of their skills. Everyone was absolutely comfortable and they supported each other in the waters” said Sathish Sivakumar, Founder and Head Coach.
![IMG-20240224-WA1014 The swimming expedition by children with Autism earned them three records, including a berth in Asia Book Of records, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin honoured the team.](https://tellmystory.in/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/IMG-20240224-WA1014-qkbwtdl5n7811fdhi16w0bxeh6dabyuuifehpvemi8.jpg)
The idea came up during a regular chat among parents amid daily swimming sessions and soon they worked together to give life to the dream expedition roping in Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, police, fisherfolk, coaches, doctors, ambulance services among others. “We are a community of parents with lots of question marks on our children’s future. We want to reach out to every parent and make them believe that it’s possible to make them achieve something” says Priyanka Balaji, a parent who’s 9 year old son Hruday has been swimming from 3 onwards.Â
The community hopes this accomplishment and promising display of potential by children with Autism would also help to bring about a change in mindset among people. “The autism spectrum has its own behaviour patterns and limitations. The society has to understand what these children are and what are they capable of. They are gem of a person. Swimming is one part but they have a lot of potential”, said Selvan, Parent Coordinator.
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