Unified Carnival at Apeejay School, Pitampura celebrates inclusion through the joy of sport

Apeejay School, Pitampura recently hosted the vibrant and heart-warming Unified Carnival, a large-scale inclusive sports celebration that brought together students from 17 schools across Delhi-NCR. Organised in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, Upasana Special School, and Apeejay School, Pitampura, the event beautifully embodied the spirit of Inclusion and Play Unified, creating an environment where every learner—regardless of ability—felt valued, encouraged, and empowered.

The carnival was part of the prestigious Youth Innovation Grant awarded by Special Olympics Asia-Pacific and Special Olympics International. As shared by Mr Arvind Kaushal, PGT & HOD, Physical Education, Apeejay School, Pitampura, the school has been a proud Unified Champion School since 2012. Over the past decade, it has consistently promoted inclusive sporting opportunities, inspiring countless children to embrace empathy, teamwork, and leadership. This year’s event was especially significant, as the grant required the school to onboard at least 10 new institutions and conduct unified fitness training sessions throughout the year—an effort successfully achieved across Delhi, Noida, and neighbouring regions.

Sports as a Bridge to Belonging

The day featured an energetic line-up of physical activities designed to encourage shared experiences between students of mainstream schools and special schools. Learners excitedly participated in Baggo, a fun skill-based game that encouraged coordination and casual interaction. Relay Races kept the energy levels high as unified teams—comprising both special athletes and mainstream students—demonstrated remarkable speed, rhythm, and mutual support.

One of the most symbolic moments of the carnival was the Tug-of-War, a game that highlighted not just strength, but collective strategy, trust, and communication. As students pulled together—literally and figuratively—the message was clear: unity builds power.

The activities concluded with a lively Zumba session, where students danced freely, laughed wholeheartedly, and enjoyed a refreshing non-competitive environment. This segment stood out as a reminder that fitness is not just about performance but also joy, confidence, and emotional wellness.

A Year-Long Learning Journey

What made the Unified Carnival particularly enriching was that it culminated months of training. Apeejay School, Pitampura, alongside Upasana Special School and other partner institutions, had been conducting uniform 30–45 minute fitness sessions for the past 6–8 months. These sessions nurtured discipline, routine, and fitness awareness among students, helping them understand the value of perseverance and healthy habits.

Moreover, several Apeejay alumni who are associated with the Special Olympics also joined the event, showcasing how the school continues to inspire students even beyond graduation to contribute meaningfully to society.

At its core, the Unified Carnival was more than a sports event—it was a powerful reminder of what inclusive education truly looks like. Through shared play, students learned compassion, acceptance, leadership, and the importance of community participation.