Lucknow,

19 Dec (HS): CBM India Trust, a leading not-for-profit organization committed

to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other

marginalized communities, was honored with the Best Aid for Sports Initiative

of the Year award at the Indian Social Impact Awards 2025 for its Para Athletes

Support Program, which focuses on strengthening access and support for athletes

with disabilities across India. The Indian Social Impact Awards, organized by

Brand Honchos, is an initiative of Indian CSR Awards and recognizes

organizations and leaders contributing to social impact across sectors such as

education, healthcare, women empowerment, sports, and skill development. The

award acknowledges CBM India's continued involvement in inclusive sports

development in India, reflecting decades of work to expand opportunities for

persons with disabilities in sports and all spheres of life.

CBM

India’s Para Athletes Support Program provides tailored support to sportspersons,

covering costs such as specialized equipment, coaching fees, nutrition, travel,

and participation in competitive events. The initiative is designed to reduce

financial and logistical barriers that often limit the progression of Para

athletes, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented

regions. Over the years, Para athletes supported by CBM India have won medals

in state, national, and international competitions. These achievements

highlight the potential of Para athletes and Para sports and serve to shift

public perception around disability.

Commenting

on the recognition, Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India, said, “We're

honored to receive this award. Para sports matters because it shows persons

with disabilities that sports can be a career, a path worth pursuing. For

society, it pushes back against stereotypes about persons with disabilities.

Our program exists to ensure more athletes have the support to train and

compete, and we hope this recognition brings more attention to Para sports in

India. We share this with the athletes we work with.” This award also

underscores the role CSR can play. CBM India’s Para Athletes Support Program is

made possible through a corporate partnership, a model that shows what's achievable

when corporates invest in initiatives that support persons with disabilities,

in sports and beyond. For companies looking to make a meaningful difference,

inclusion is a space worth considering.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi