Runners not blinded by handicap

MUMBAI: Winning medals is nothing new for this 18-year-old who has recently returned from a national level paraplegic competition where he won three gold and one silver medal in swimming. This time, Sanket Bhirud, who is completely blind, is aiming to compete with thousands of Mumbaikars at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM), 2012.
"This is the first time I am participating in the half marathon and I am practising hard to manage this feat without much difficulty.I run on Marine Drive every day," said Sanket Bhirud.
He will be accompanied by a runner who will direct him on the route. "We have designated specific numbers and words for various directions. When my runner calls out 1, I will take a left, 2 means I need to take a right turn," he added. An FYBMS student of Mulund College of Commerce, Sanket has earlier participated in the Dream Run. section of SCMM.
"We've had visually impaired participants before also, but they would always register under the handicap segment. This time, the half marathon participant has registered under the open category," said Bruno Goveas, director for media relations, SCMM. Also, for the first time, six visually impaired people will participate in the SCMM as part of the Blind Persons Association (BPA). "Our organization was conceptualized in 1947, but due to lack of funds, we could not spread awareness. We want to take every opportunity like this that comes our way," said Shanta Narsian, president of BPA. All participants from BPA will take part in the Dream Run.
For Ashok Kamle (46), his first attempt at a run will hold special importance. "I realized that by participating in this run, I will get a chance to raise money for my organization and in turn, help many others who are in need of help," said Kamle, who works ith the PWD.
Narendra Salavkar (48), who runs a telephone booth, is participating in the Dream Run. His 12-year-old daughter helps him with daily exercise routine.