After the brother of one of their club members was seriously injured while competing in a national gymnastics event, the Rotaract Club of Bangalore Jayanagar, India, responded with a different kind of sporting event – Aarambh, which means “new beginning.” This meet, which began in 2002 as an event for survivors of spinal cord injuries, has grown to include young people with a variety of disabilities. In 2008, 350 athletes participated in competitions such as long jump, shot put, javelin, and races. Rotaractors worked with the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, a local nongovernmental organization; the Rotary Club of Bangalore Jayanagar advised on the planning and contributed part of the US$8,000 budget for the event, which was recognized by RI as a 2008 Outstanding Rotaract Project.

Rotaract celebrates 41 years of service this month. Join in during World Rotaract Week, 9-15 March, by working with your local Rotaractors on a project or sponsoring a new club.