Empowerment Through Inclusion
Dikshita Gupta, India
Dikshita serves as the Head of Programs (Education) at Umoya Sports in Delhi, India. Umoya Sports is an organisation that uses adapted sports to promote inclusion and empower children with disabilities.
She is the recipient of the Cath Sweet Award, which is part of the Anita White Fund - and created by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport. This award, also supported by UK Sport, recognises and supports initiatives that promote social inclusion through sport, with a particular focus on disability.
The International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing equity and equality in sport and physical activity for women and girls around the world.
Dikshita shares her story of using the funding to support her leadership development and drive social impact within her community.
My name is Dikshita and I am from New Delhi, India. I have worked in sport since 2020 and am currently the Head of Programs (Education) at Umoya Sports. At Umoya, we use adapted sports and play-based education to foster inclusion and empower children with disabilities. In my role, I oversee the design and implementation of programmes that ensure athletes of all abilities can actively participate and enjoy the benefits of sports.
My journey started with a strong passion for physical development and its role in personal growth. Over the years, I recognised how sports can be a tool for social inclusion and empowerment, particularly for individuals with disabilities. I have worked with a diverse range of athletes, including those with visual, hearing, and physical impairments, as well as autism and other invisible disabilities. Seeing these athletes gain confidence, improve motor skills, and build a sense of belonging has deeply motivated me to make sports accessible for all.
Finding Umoya
Early in my career, I became acutely aware of the significant barriers that children with disabilities face - not just in sports but in everyday life. It struck me that many children with disabilities do not have the opportunity to play in community parks or engage in activities that others take for granted.
In 2017, I faced my own challenges during a period of hospitalisation. As someone who was once fully active, becoming dependent on others for basic daily needs was a humbling and eye-opening experience—simple routines like hygiene, meal prep, or attending appointments required adaptation. My family played a critical role during this time, ensuring I felt included in every aspect of life despite my limitations. Their unwavering support made me realise how vital inclusion is, even within our own homes. This personal journey highlighted the importance of adaptation and empathy. Inclusion is not just about large societal changes but also about small, everyday actions.
During this time, a friend introduced me to Umoya Sports. Joining this organisation changed my life. It gave me a purpose and a platform to channel my experiences into action. I learned so much as I became deeply attached to the mission of fostering inclusion.
Umoya Sports is an organisation dedicated to using sports to foster inclusion, empowerment, and holistic development, especially for children with disabilities. Through adaptive sports, Umoya focuses on creating equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and helping children of all abilities participate in physical activities. The programmes promote social integration, improve physical health, and build confidence and skills in a safe, supportive environment.
More Than Just A Game
Children with disabilities in my community face several significant challenges when it comes to participating in sports, including lack of accessibility in local facilities and limited awareness among parents, coaches, and the wider community. There is often a scarcity of inclusive sports programmes tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
Umoya Sports provides several platforms to enable children with disabilities engage in sports, including adaptive sports programmes such as blind football for both men and women, and Wheelchair Ultimate. Currently Umoya is working with 12 schools, reaching out nearly 1,000 children with disabilities.
We collaborate with schools to implement inclusive physical education programmes to allow children with disabilities to participate alongside their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community. We also conduct workshops and training sessions for parents, educators, and coaches to raise awareness about the capabilities of children with disabilities and the importance of inclusive practices in sports.
Finally, we help organise community events like the yearly inclusive fest called Aagaz to create opportunities for athletes of all abilities. The fest is designed to foster inclusivity, where participants can experience the spirit of competition in a supportive environment. Our vision is to break down societal barriers, enabling individuals of all ages, abilities, and genders to engage in sporting activities without discrimination.
This work is so important for children with special needs and para-athletes because sports are not just games; they are life-changing experiences that enrich not only their own lives but also those of their families. It provides a profound sense of purpose, growth, and connection.
I have seen how sports can drastically improve the quality of life for these children, offering them confidence, independence, and joy that extends far beyond the field. It is not just about learning to kick a ball or run - it is about discovering what they are truly capable of, and in doing so, changing the way they and their families experience the world.
Seeing their children engage and excel in sports has been life-changing for many families as it offers a new perspective on what their children can accomplish.
Growing In Confidence
Umoya Sports has empowered children with disabilities to participate in sports they might otherwise never experience, like blind football or wheelchair sports.
Beyond physical activities, our programmes emphasise developing life skills. Initiatives like Sportability have helped not just children but also their families grow in confidence and adaptability. What once seemed like overwhelming challenges now feel manageable, thanks to the skills their children are building through sports.
Importantly, our after-school programmes have been instrumental in forming a community of support for parents. Through these programmes, families have connected, shared ideas, and provided emotional and practical support.
Additionally, Umoya Sports is committed to providing a platform for children to train and compete. Our programmes offer specialised coaching and mentorship. We work with experienced, trained coaches who focus on developing athletic abilities and emphasise life skills, discipline, and personal growth. This structured approach helps athletes gain confidence, refine their skills, and prepare for local and national competitions.
In a broader sense, Umoya Sports is shifting perspectives on disability. We are proving that with the right support and inclusive environment, every child and their family can thrive, equipped with resilience, confidence, and a spirit of inclusion.
Cath Sweet Award
Receiving the Cath Sweet Award is an incredible honour for me and a significant milestone in our journey at Umoya Sports. This recognition reinforces my belief in the work we do and validates the impact we strive to make for children with disabilities.
The Cath Sweet Award has enabled us to achieve meaningful progress, especially in ensuring that women play a central role in all aspects of our programmes. Thanks to this support, we launched the Wheelchair Ultimate League in October 2024, the first-ever wheelchair ultimate competition in India. This landmark event included six teams and was intentionally designed to be co-ed. Every team had a woman vice-captain, ensuring female athletes held key leadership positions on and off the field.
The event showcased not only the talent of our athletes but also the importance of gender inclusion, building a supportive community across both male and female athletes with disabilities.
The funding allows us to introduce new adapted sports, enhance training for our coaches and athletes, and invest in accessible equipment, enabling more girls and boys to participate.
For me and our entire team, this award is more than financial support; it is a beacon of hope and encouragement that keeps us motivated to push boundaries. The Cath Sweet Award is a testament to our shared vision of a more inclusive society through sports, one that gives equal importance to women’s involvement. This award fuels our commitment to make lasting change, bringing sport to every young person - regardless of gender or ability. With this support, we are poised to make an even greater impact.
A Ripple Effect
It is my hope that Umoya Sports continues to grow as an organisation that pioneers inclusive sports for children with disabilities. I want Umoya to be a driving force behind this change, expanding our programmes to reach more children, especially those who have never had the opportunity to experience sports. This means introducing more adapted sports, training inclusive coaches, and collaborating with more schools and community centres.
I hope that, in time, Umoya Sports will be recognised as a leader in creating sustainable, inclusive sports programmes so that other communities and organisations can learn that it is not a luxury, but a basic need for children with disabilities.
Ultimately, I hope that, through Umoya Sports, we can create a ripple effect. When children with disabilities are empowered through sports, they not only change their own lives but also inspire their peers, families, and communities to be more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive.
I hope to see a community that stands together, cheering on children with disabilities as they grow into confident, accomplished young adults, capable of leading, teaching, and inspiring others.
