Special Olympics bringing smiles to athletes from Nagaland

Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 7 (EMN): More than 20 Special Olympics Nagaland athletes were given free dental screening on the occasion of World Health Day on Thursday at Beyond Smiles-Super Specialty Dental Centre, Dimapur.

The programme was organised by Special Olympics Nagaland- Special Smiles.

The initiative, launched under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav , government of India, aims to reach a record of 75,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 75 cities of India marking the 75 years of independence.

The president of Special Olympics Nagaland Victor Murry shared that Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screening and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympic athletes.

He also shared that over the years, Special Olympics got involved in health because many athletes show up to train and compete in pain, or have chronic health issues that are undiagnosed, lack fitness and conditioning knowledge, putting them at risk for injury.

 “That is why Special Olympics became interested in athletes’ health,” he said.

He informed that more than 50 athletes registered for the dental screening but many could not turn up due to various reasons.

Dr. Kaketo Yepthomi, from the dental centre informed that in order to have good health, one needs to have healthy teeth and mouth. He told the athletes that ‘we may do things differently but inside everyone is the same. If our attitude is right, nothing can limit us’.

The doctors who performed dental screening were Dr. Kaketo Yepthomi, Dr. Talisunep Longkumer, Dr. Tungbeni Ngullie, Dr. Kekhriesevor Meyase, Dr. Karishma Thapa and Dr. Elithung Ovung.