Caritas Pakistan Karachi Supports 60 People With Disabilities Through Sports, Assistive Devices

Caritas Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Good Samaritan Disaster Management Committee, supported 60 people with disabilities through a sports gala and the distribution of assistive devices as part of a disaster preparedness and community resilience project.

The two initiatives were organized under the project “Empowering Communities: Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Plan.” The first event was held a week earlier at St. Thomas Parish, while the second took place Sept. 12, 2026, at St. Michael Parish in Shahbaz Goth, a neighborhood in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and the capital of Sindh province.

All 60 beneficiaries received assistive devices, while 32 took part in the sports gala alongside community members, volunteers and members of the Disaster Management Committee.

The 32 sports participants included 12 females and 20 males, ranging from minors and teenagers to young adults and senior citizens. The gathering also reflected interfaith participation, with two Hindu, five Muslim and 25 Christian participants.

The initiative combined sports activities with the distribution of mobility aids to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster risk reduction efforts while helping address challenges they face in daily life.

Caritas Pakistan Karachi distributed equipment according to identified needs, including wheelchairs, walkers, ear instruments, stool chairs, crutches, prosthetic shoes, prosthetic legs and arm sticks.

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas said the assistive devices were intended to ease daily difficulties, improve mobility and help people with disabilities live more independently. He offered prayers and blessings for the participants and beneficiaries.

Mansha Noor, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan Karachi, said the assistive devices were provided to deserving individuals through the patronage of the archbishop and support from donors.

Noor said Caritas Pakistan Karachi remained committed to supporting vulnerable people, promoting their dignity and implementing practical initiatives that enable them to live more independently.

Recipients said the equipment would make daily movement easier, increase their independence and enable them to leave their homes with greater confidence.

The sports gala featured activities adapted for people with disabilities, including wheelchair races, badminton, volleyball and a banana-eating competition. Participants took part in the competitions and welcomed opportunities that enable people with disabilities to engage in sports and community activities. Prizes and trophies were presented to winners and participants.

Sunaina, 18, said the sports activities provided a rare opportunity for self-expression, social interaction and building physical confidence. She thanked Caritas Pakistan Karachi for recognizing the abilities of people with disabilities.

Iram, 28, said receiving an assistive device and participating in the sports gala marked an important step toward greater independence. She said the event demonstrated equal respect and inclusion while thanking the organizers and donors.

Shahzad Buarat, president of the Good Samaritan Disaster Management Committee, acknowledged Caritas Pakistan Karachi, Archbishop Travas and Mansha Noor for their support.

The event brought together clergy, educational leaders and Caritas personnel, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting marginalized communities and strengthening local resilience to disaster