Hyundai India has announced its commitment to support 20 para athletes across various sports categories for the next three years through its Samarth CSR initiative.
Partnering with the GoSport Foundation, Hyundai will provide these athletes with financial assistance, expert coaching, and access to assistive devices to enhance their performance. Out of 190 applicants, 20 para athletes were selected for the program.
The initiative will not only offer these athletes expert mentorship but also help them develop soft skills. The selected athletes include 15 emerging talents and five elite athletes, each with unique skills and goals. Many of these athletes are gearing up for the 2024 Paris Paralympics scheduled for August and September.
The para athletes will compete in eight categories: para-swimming, para-badminton, wheelchair tennis, para-archery, para-rowing, para-canoeing, and para-cycling.
Launched in 2023, Hyundai's 'Samarth' CSR initiative also aims to make all of its showrooms accessible to the specially-abled.
Currently, 98 percent of Hyundai showrooms have improved wheelchair accessibility, with the goal of reaching 100 percent by February 2024. Hyundai has introduced new specially-abled-friendly accessories, including a swivel seat designed to aid mobility and accessibility. These seats, available in both manual and motorized versions, can be installed in the front row of most Hyundai cars sold in India, including the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, i20, Venue, Verna, and Creta.