The 10th edition of Wipro Bengaluru Marathon on Sunday saw 25,000 enthusiasts hit the track. However, all eyes were on 18 participants with special needs. AThlete Unleashed, a segment by AssisTech Foundation (ATF) showcases the power of Assisted Technology (AT) in making running inclusive for the very first time in the history of marathon in India. To create a supportive environment, professionals from various organizations ran alongside the participants as buddy runners. Supported by state-of-the-art-technology, the participants began the 5k run at Kanteerava Stadium.
AThlete Unleashed was flagged off by Deepa Malik, India’s First Female Paralympic Athlete and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India. Speaking on the need to revolutionize the marathon landscape by empowering disabled participants, Ms. Malik said “AThlete Unleashed is recognizing the transformative power of breaking down barriers and embracing tech innovation for people with disabilities. As President of the Paralympic Committee of India, I wholeheartedly commend the AssisTech Foundation & Wipro Bengaluru Marathon for their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities.“
