Amway Opportunity Foundation presents ‘The AOF Young Achievers Award -2014’ to 5 individuals

Chandigarh, Saturday, Nov 8th, 2014 (Kulbir Singh Kalsi):- Amway Opportunity Foundation (AOF), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Amway India, along with the National Association for the Blind organised the fifth edition of the NAB-AOF National Dance Competition for visually challenged individuals in Chandigarh today. The audiences were enthralled with mesmerizing dance performances by more than 200 visually challenged individuals. A total of 21 teams from 13 states across the country participated in this day long competition. Mrs. Kirron Kher, Member of Parliament and an acclaimed actress, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Abhinav Bindra, Padma Bhushan recipient and India’s first individual Olympic Gold medallist, was the guest of Honour.

A total of 11 prizes were given to the shortlisted teams in the Folk, Free Style and Classical Dance competition in the team as well as solo category. (Details in the attached annexure). Amway Opportunity Foundation also felicitated five visually challenged individuals selected from different parts of the country with the AOF Young Achievers Award - 2014.  This year 1 candidate has been shortlisted from the North, East and West Zone respectively while two candidates who have been shortlisted from the South Zone. (Details in the annexure)

The AOF Young Achievers Award is an initiative to recognise the talent and efforts of young achievers from the differently abled section of the society. The award is bestowed to selected individuals basis detailed criteria including excellence in educational or professional qualifications, exemplary work done for the welfare of visually challenged individuals and for distinctive skills/ achievements attained at a young age. All the winners were presented with a state of the art laptop and a certificate by Amway Opportunity Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. William S Pinckney, Chairman, Amway Opportunity Foundation, said, “We have been working for the cause of the visually challenged ever since 1999 when we launched National Project for the Visually Challenged. Over the years, AOF has benefitted more than 100,000 visually challenged individuals especially children. The aim of National Dance Competition as well as the AOF Young Achievers Award is to inspire and recognise the visually challenged by providing them a national level platform to showcase their talent.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Kirron Kher, said, “I want to congratulate both National Association for the Blind and Amway Opportunity Foundation for creating such a stage where all the gifted visually challenged individuals can show case their dancing skills. I was spell bound by the finesse showcased by the participants.”

Mr. Abhinav Bindra, added, “I saw spirit of perseverance, excellence, and never say die attitude in all the performances today. I congratulate each and every one who has performed on the stage today. I hope that the NAB-AOF dance competition gains even greater heights in the future and spreads joy in the lives of all the participants.”

Mr. Vinod Chadha, Hony. President, National Association for the Blind – Chandigarh & Punjab State Branch, said, “I am delighted that the Chandigarh and Punjab State Branch of the NAB hosted this edition of the dance competition. It has been a very fulfilling experience. More than 200 visually challenged individuals have covered the length and breadth of the country to be here and showcase their dancing skills. Their enthusiasm motivates me. I also want to congratulate winners of the AOF Young Achievers Award -2014 for the determination they have shown in overcoming all hurdles in their lives to achieve success.”

Jury for the NAB-AOF National Dance competition

The jury for the NAB-AOF National Dance Competition comprised of Mrs. Sneh Lata Badhwar, Principal, Govt. College, Roopnagar, Mrs. Sunita Sharma, Head of Department – Music, P.G. Govt. College for Girls, Chandigarh and Mrs. Swati Singhal, Head of Department, Home Science College, Chandigarh.

Jury for the AOF Young Achievers Award 2014

The jury for the AOF Young Achievers Award 2014 comprised of Mr. Sameer Kumar, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Punjab Government, Mr. Tilak Raj, Director – Social Welfare, Chandigarh, Mr. Ramkrishna, Hony. Secretary General, National Association for the Blind, India, Dr. K.K. Upadhyay, Head – CSR, FICCI Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence, Mr. Vinod Chadha, President, National Association for the Blind, Chandigarh and Punjab State Branch & Mr. Anshu Budhraja, Executive Committee Member, Amway Opportunity Foundation.

About Amway Opportunity Foundation

Amway Opportunity Foundation (AOF), registered as a non-profit organization under the Societies Act in the year 2001, is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Amway India. AOF has instituted two projects in India – 1) National Project for Blind which endeavors to facilitate quality education and economic independence of the visually challenged. 2) ‘Project Sunrise’ under which it facilitates education, health & hygiene for less privileged children of the society. AOF works with over 55 NGO partners across the country. Over the years, the Amway Opportunity Foundation (AOF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Amway India, has benefited more than 1 lakh visually challenged children.  In partnership with NGOs & institutions working in the area of education, health and hygiene for children, AOF is benefitting more than 15,000 children every year.