The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown, under Rotary International District 3206, organised the fifth edition of its flagship humanitarian initiative, “Stand and Walk 2025.”
As part of the programme, the club distributed caliper legs to over 100 differently-abled children on 20th December 2025 at the Grand Regent Hotel, reaffirming its sustained commitment to inclusive development and mobility support for differently-abled children, adults, and sportspersons.
Rtn. Chella K. Raghavendra, District Governor of Rotary International District 3206, attended the programme as the Chief Guest and distributed calipers to the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries included children with DNA-related and developmental disabilities, children on the autism spectrum aged eight to 14 years, and differently-abled adults and sportspersons across various age groups who required mobility assistance.
Conceptualised and led by Rtn. Godwin Maria Visuwasam, Project Chairman and Rotary District Membership Chair, the initiative has been conducted consistently over the past five years and has so far benefited over 516 persons, extending support well beyond Coimbatore.
Organisers said the programme is driven by the belief that persons with disabilities deserve dignity, independence, and visibility, and that sustained intervention is essential to ensure that no one is left behind.
The event also featured recognition of excellence in para sports. The Indian Women’s Para Throwball Team, which won the gold medal at the South Asian Para Throwball Championship held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the Indian Men’s Team, which secured the silver medal at the same championship, were felicitated. The Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown was the prime sponsor for both teams.
In another highlight, winners of the national-level IPCL Trophy Para Cricket Tournament, organised by the Rotaract Club Galaxy, were honoured. The winning team, Rotary Downtown Mumbai, owned by Rtn. A. Godwin Maria Visuwasam and supported by the club, received recognition at the event. The IPCL magazine was also released by the District Governor.
Speaking on the occasion, Rtn. Godwin Maria Visuwasam said that “Stand and Walk” is not a one-day activity but a sustained five-year commitment. He added that transparent execution, regular camps, and strong support from sponsors and Rotary members have helped the initiative reach more than 516 beneficiaries, converting compassion into measurable social impact.
Several Rotary dignitaries and club office-bearers were present, including Rtn. M.D. Chugh, District Director; Rtn. M.P.H.F. Raja Mahendran, Assistant Rotary Governor; Rtn. M.P.H.F. Premkumar, Governor’s Group Representative; Rtn. P.H.F. Sreenath, President, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Downtown; Rtn. P.H.F. S. Vikram Kumar, Secretary; Rtn. P.H.F. Vignesh Mylsamy, Treasurer; Rtn. P.H.F. Sumit Kumar Prasad, Club Administration Chair; Rtn. P.H.F. Sathish, Community Service Chairman, and other club members.
