Tag: International Purple Fest

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International Purple Fest 2025: Ponda to Host Blind & Wheelchair Cricket on Sept 29; Minister Ravi Naik Invited to Inaugurate

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Blind & Wheelchair Cricket to Shine at Purple Fest 2025 in Goa

Goa’s landmark celebration of inclusivity, International Purple Fest 2025, will witness a unique and inspiring sporting event – Blind & Wheelchair Cricket – to be held on 29th September 2025 at the Ponda Sports Complex.

Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, Sports Director of Purple Fest, officially extended an invitation to Minister Ravi Naik, who will inaugurate the match. The event will also see the presence of Rajiv Sahakari, further underscoring the commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports.

Purple Fest has always championed accessibility and empowerment, and this cricket event is no exception. Bringing together differently-abled athletes, the Blind & Wheelchair Cricket matches are a powerful testament to determination, talent, and the unifying spirit of sports.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Bhatikar emphasized how sports can break barriers and create new opportunities for all, while Minister Ravi Naik’s participation highlights the government’s support in fostering an inclusive society.

With such events, Purple Fest 2025 continues to reinforce its mission of creating a more accessible and equitable world, where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to shine.

Events in Goa

Celebrating Inclusion Through Sports: The Inclusive Run Comes to Panaji on 12 October 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

On 24 September 2025, a vibrant press conference unveiled The Inclusive Run, an inspiring sports initiative designed to celebrate inclusion and empower participants of all abilities. Set to take place on 12 October in Panaji, Goa, The Inclusive Run is a collaborative effort between the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation and the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.

This event aims to bring together over 500 participants—people with disabilities alongside those without—in a collective celebration of sport, accessibility, and community. By fostering an environment that encourages participation from everyone, The Inclusive Run seeks to break down societal barriers, promote empathy, and amplify the voices of differently-abled individuals through the universal language of sports.

The run is more than just a race; it is a movement to highlight the importance of disability inclusion and to demonstrate how sport can be a powerful tool for social change. Sign language interpretation, accessible facilities, and other supportive measures will ensure that all participants can engage fully and joyfully.

The Inclusive Run aligns with the broader goals of the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, which champions disability rights, accessibility, and universal diversity through a series of cultural and sporting events. Together with Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, the festival continues to pave the way for greater empowerment and visibility for disabled communities in India.

As excitement builds for the event, organizers invite the public, media, and sports enthusiasts to join in the celebration on 12 October, witness inspiring stories of courage and determination, and contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy the benefits and joy of sports.