Students pursuing Master of Occupational Therapy from Meenakshi College of Occupational Therapy (MCOT) actively volunteered at Thiramai, a premier adaptive sports event organized by the National Centre for Assistive and Health Technology, from 10th to 13th March 2026. The initiative highlighted the integration of therapeutic expertise into competitive athletics, showcasing the vital role of rehabilitation professionals in enabling inclusive sports participation.
A team of 19 student volunteers demonstrated exceptional commitment by contributing across multiple domains, including clinical support, physical facilitation, and logistical coordination for athletes with diverse physical abilities.
In the Para-Badminton segment, volunteers Archana N., Jeevitha M., and Evan Joel Singh provided specialized support to athletes requiring enhanced upper-limb coordination and trunk stability. Their responsibilities included optimizing equipment, assisting with strapping techniques, and ensuring appropriate positioning, thereby enabling athletes to perform at their best without physiological constraints.
During the Boccia events, a sport demanding high precision and control, volunteers including Vinoth A., Sarath Velmurugan V., Sarathi Dhasan S.V., Akash M., Bercy J Sha, Ilakiya M., and Dhanushri M. played a crucial role in calibrating assistive devices such as ramps. Their understanding of motor control and muscle tone significantly contributed to creating an environment that supported accuracy and competitive performance.
In the Wheelchair Racing category, students such as Jaison Mohan Mathew, Karthick S., Keertanaa R.B., Priyadarshini R., Sri Vinaya Varshini M., and Kokila P. focused on athlete safety and physical preparedness. They conducted structured warm-up and cool-down sessions based on kinesiology principles, and ensured safe handling and mobility support using ergonomic techniques.
Addressing accessibility challenges, a dedicated subgroup managed transportation logistics for wheelchair users from Royapettah to the IIT campus. The team ensured safe boarding, secure positioning of wheelchairs, and smooth transitions, thereby facilitating uninterrupted participation for all athletes.
Beyond their technical responsibilities, the students provided holistic support by attending to hydration, comfort, pressure relief, and psychological well-being of participants. Their involvement offered a valuable experiential learning opportunity, reinforcing the concept of “Adaptive Sports as Therapy” and highlighting how structured physical activity can empower individuals with disabilities.
