Inclusive sports for all is a powerful expression of equity, dignity, and social responsibility. Under the community-engagement initiative—Responsible Citizenship in Action—ISBR Business School enables students to engage directly with real-world social challenges through structured experiential learning.
Designed as a 180-hour, 10-week program, Responsible Citizenship in Action emphasizes inclusive education, accessibility, and collaboration. The program is deeply aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, 10, and 17, translating global frameworks into meaningful local impact. One such engagement was ISBR students’ participation in inclusive sports initiatives through the Divyang Academy and the Ability Sports League (ASL).
Responsible Citizenship: SDG-Aligned Experiential Learning
The Responsible Citizenship in Action program reflects ISBR’s commitment to developing socially conscious leaders. Through partnerships with community organizations, students gain hands-on exposure to initiatives focused on health, education, gender equity, accessibility, and inclusive development.
Our engagement with adaptive sports strongly contributed to:
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Adaptive Sports Engagement at Divyang Academy
The journey began with a visit to Divyang Academy, where ISBR students interacted with differently abled sportspersons for the first time. We were introduced to the academy’s founder, Mr. Shiva Prasad, whose life and leadership exemplify resilience, determination, and inclusive excellence.
Learning the Basics of Adaptive Sports
Students were trained in the fundamentals of wheelchair sports, including assembling and dismantling sports wheelchairs—an essential skill when working closely with wheelchair athletes. This session highlighted the importance of accessibility, safety, and empathy, core values of ISBR’s responsible citizenship ethos.
Wheelchair Cricket Practice Sessions
Following the technical orientation, students assisted athletes during batting and fielding practice. The players demonstrated remarkable confidence, discipline, and technical skill, reinforcing the principle that ability is defined by opportunity and mindset, not physical limitations.
Corporate Outreach: Strengthening Inclusive Partnerships
As part of collaborative SDG engagement, ISBR students organized an outreach sports program for employees of Cognizant. The objective was to foster team bonding and prepare employees for volunteering at the Ability Sports League.
Understanding the Ability Sports League (ASL)
Students introduced participants to ASL, a pan-India wheelchair cricket tournament that brings together differently abled athletes from across the country. Through five inclusive and team-oriented games, the session promoted participation, empathy, and collective responsibility—demonstrating the importance of cross-sector collaboration under SDG 17.
Organising the Ability Sports League (ASL)
ISBR students had organised the ASL tournament, supporting essential operations such as logistics, food distribution, player assistance, and on-field coordination. While the tasks were operational, they were vital to the smooth execution of a national-level inclusive sports event.
This experience offered students practical exposure to large-scale event management, teamwork under pressure, and service leadership—key outcomes of ISBR’s experiential learning approach.
Celebrating Inclusion and Excellence
The final match between Bangalore and Lucknow was marked by high energy and competitive spirit. Despite challenging weather conditions, both teams displayed exceptional resilience. Bangalore’s victory was celebrated not just as a sporting achievement, but as a collective triumph of inclusion, perseverance, and equality.
Key Learnings: Inclusive Sports for All and UN SDGs
- Understanding of resilience and discipline among differently abled athletes (SDG 3 & 10).
- Practical exposure to adaptive sports infrastructure and accessibility needs (SDG 4).
- Strengthened leadership, coordination, and teamwork skills through volunteering (SDG 17).
- Reinforced belief in gender-neutral and ability-inclusive participation in sports (SDG 5).
- Appreciation of volunteering as a meaningful pathway to sustainable social impact.
- A lasting insight that limitations do not define potential—opportunity and mindset do.
ISBR’s Commitment to Inclusive Sports for All
Through inclusive sports for all, ISBR’s Responsible Citizenship Program demonstrates how management education can drive social transformation. By integrating UN SDGs with experiential learning, ISBR nurtures graduates who are not only industry-ready but also empathetic, responsible, and globally aware citizens.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students