In 2018, the event was conducted in mid-October and it witnessed around 50 participants from 4 schools in Bhubaneswar, namely, Swabhiman, Chetana, The Institute for helping the Disabled and Aaina.
Many Professors from XIMB and dignitaries from Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar graced the event with their presence.
The day started early at 8 AM when the first bus arrived at the XIMB ground bringing along exuberant children. Their liveliness was so contagious that within minutes we found ourselves running around on the ground, playing ball with them. Soon after, the other buses arrived and by 9.30 AM all participants were eagerly waiting for the games to begin.
We conducted various events including 50m and 100m race, spoon and lemon race, three-legged race, balloon race, skipping, bowling, throw and catch, etc. The children displayed immense sportsmanship and pertinacity.
It was a pleasure to watch these kids, who forgetting their differences, competed with each other with utmost zeal and sometimes played 4 rounds of the same sport (conducted in batches) till they were satisfied, not with the results but with their own performance. This trait is missing in many of us today, as we, in the face of predicament often begin to give in to pressure and blame external events and entities for failures, instead of actually trying and improving.
The one thing, however, that stood out was to watch these kids, from different schools, with different disabilities, get along so well with one another. Not only were they interacting but were also helping each other with their needs. The innocent souls were full of love, affection, care, and concern. It was so easy for them to extend a helping hand to someone they had just met, to open their hearts and display affection for another human being without giving it a second thought. A lesson, all of us can take. The key to a satisfying life is not a luxurious life, but a life filled with smiles, laughter, and love.
The children were served refreshments in between games to keep them hydrated although the stamina they exhibited was undeniably impressive. After the games ended around 1 pm, lunch was served. This was followed by a prize distribution ceremony where medals, certificates, and goodies were distributed to all the children, which brought a bright smile on each and every face. And that is when we knew that the event had ended successfully for there is no greater satisfaction in life than to be able to put a smile on a face because at that moment we become truly selfless and that feeling is inexplicable.
With wonderful memories in our hearts and important lessons in our minds, we said goodbyes and ended X-Enable 2018, an event aimed at providing a day of joy to the children, encouraging them to fearlessly face all odds in life, showing them that nothing is indomitable if you believe in yourself and empowering them to redefine possibilities.
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