Almawakening Foundation Continues EXPAND Program with Motorized Wheelchair Donation for Indian Para Athletes
In a significant step towards strengthening accessibility and inclusion in Indian sports, Almawakening Foundation continued its EXPAND Program, one of its key program heads aimed at facilitating inclusion and accessibility through technology.
As part of this initiative, Almawakening Foundation donated advanced motorized wheelchairs to empower Indian para athletes with enhanced mobility, independence, dignity, and equal participation in sports and everyday life. The program was organized at Club Capri, Sector 48, Gurugram, in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and IGF.
Shri T. D. Dhariyal, Executive Director of the CABE Foundation (Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment Foundation), joined the event as Guest of Honour. Dr. Deepa Malik, Indian Para Athlete and Former President, Paralympic Committee of India, joined the event as Special Guest.
The EXPAND Program is one of Almawakening Foundation’s key initiatives focused on using technology and assistive solutions to improve accessibility, independence, and quality of life for persons with disabilities. The program aims to bridge the gap between need and access by connecting individuals with practical support that enables mobility, confidence, and equal participation.
The motorized wheelchair donation initiative marks another important step under the EXPAND Program, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to creating technology-enabled pathways for inclusion. Through this initiative, para athletes are being supported not only with mobility devices but also with the freedom, confidence, and independence needed to pursue their personal and sporting aspirations.
The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, para athletes, accessibility advocates, and members of the sports community. The program featured welcome addresses, keynote sessions, an introduction to Almawakening Foundation’s mission, the official wheelchair donation ceremony, technical training sessions, practical demonstrations, and experience-sharing interactions to help beneficiaries understand and use the mobility devices effectively.
The donated motorized wheelchairs are expected to significantly improve the quality of life of the recipients by enabling easier mobility, greater self-reliance, and better participation in training, competitions, community activities, and daily routines.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Deepa Malik, Indian Para Athlete and Former President, Paralympic Committee of India, said: “True empowerment begins when accessibility becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge. Every para athlete deserves not only the courage to dream but also the resources to pursue those dreams with confidence. Initiatives like the EXPAND Program go beyond donating mobility devices they restore independence, create opportunities, and reinforce the belief that talent should never be limited by accessibility. I congratulate Almawakening Foundation for taking this meaningful step towards building a more inclusive sporting ecosystem for our para athletes.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Alma Chopra, Founder, Almawakening Foundation, said: “At Almawakening Foundation, we believe inclusion is not charity, it is a necessity. Mobility is more than movement; it is freedom, dignity, confidence, and the ability to participate fully in life. Through the EXPAND Program, our goal is to empower Indian para athletes with technology-based support that helps them live more independently and perform at their highest potential.”
She further added: “Today is more than just an event. It is not just a distribution ceremony. Today is a movement, a movement towards dignity, inclusion, independence, and the unstoppable human spirit. These incredible para athletes are not just receiving support; they are receiving independence, freedom, and confidence. This initiative by Almawakening Foundation, IGF, and the Paralympic Committee of India is not charity. This is changing. This is what inclusion truly looks like equal opportunity.”
The EXPAND Program reflects Almawakening Foundation’s continued commitment to building a more inclusive society where accessibility is treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. By combining assistive technology with community partnerships, the Foundation aims to create meaningful, practical, and lasting impact for persons with disabilities.
Beyond the distribution of mobility devices, the initiative also focuses on awareness, training, confidence-building, and long-term empowerment, ensuring beneficiaries receive the knowledge and support needed to use the equipment effectively and independently.
As India continues to strengthen its para sports ecosystem, initiatives such as this under the EXPAND Program play an important role in removing mobility barriers, enabling talent, and promoting dignity, independence, and equal opportunities for athletes across the country.
