Bhopal victims stage own ‘Olympics’ to protest Dow sponsorhip

Published: 26 July, 2012, 23:45

Indian spectators watch disabled children suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster in India take part in a "Special Olympics" in Bhopal on July 26, 2012 (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

Indian spectators watch disabled children suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster in India take part in a “Special Olympics” in Bhopal on July 26, 2012 (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

TAGS: Children, Health, Olympics, UK, Protest, India, London2012

Survivors of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, one of the world’s worst-ever industrial catastrophes, have held their own Games to protest against the London Olympics being sponsored by Dow Chemical.

­Dozens of kids aged five to 16 have participated in 10 sports in Bhopal during the ‘Special Olympics’. The move was aimed against the company which has a contract with the IOC until 2020 and, in particular, is a sponsor of London Olympics.

“We have been protesting against Dow’s sponsorship for a year now, we want them to be dropped,” organizers’ spokeswoman Rachna Dhingra told Reuters. “But we have realized this is not going to happen.”

Some 25,000 residents of Bhopal died in the aftermath of a massive gas leak in a pesticide factory owned by Union Carbide, an American company purchased by Dow Chemical in 2001.

Dow, however, has done little to improve the situation in the disaster-stricken zone. According to activists’ estimates, 500,000 people are still suffering from illnesses developed after the tragedy, including cancer, blindness and various birth defects.

The company has repeatedly denied any involvement in the tragedy and refuses to add to the $470- million compensation paid out in 1989.

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An Indian mother of a disabled child suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, cries during a "Special Olympics" in Bhopal on July 26, 2012 (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
An Indian mother of a disabled child suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, cries during a “Special Olympics” in Bhopal on July 26, 2012 (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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Indian spectators watch as disabled children suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster take part in a "Special Olympics" (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Indian spectators watch as disabled children suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster take part in a “Special Olympics” (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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Manan, a disabled child suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, smiles as he reaches finish line in 25 meter walk with a walker event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Manan, a disabled child suffering the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, smiles as he reaches finish line in 25 meter walk with a walker event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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Disabled Indian children get ready to participate in a 25 meter assisted walking event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Disabled Indian children get ready to participate in a 25 meter assisted walking event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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Disabled Indian children get ready to participate in a 25 meter sprint (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Disabled Indian children get ready to participate in a 25 meter sprint (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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Zehra, a five year old disabled child shows her gold medal she won in crab walking event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Zehra, a five year old disabled child shows her gold medal she won in crab walking event (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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An Indian disabled child suffering from the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, reacts in discomfort while watching a play during a "Special Olympics" in Bhopal (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
An Indian disabled child suffering from the effects of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, reacts in discomfort while watching a play during a “Special Olympics” in Bhopal (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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AFP Photo / Prakash Singh
AFP Photo / Prakash Singh

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AFP Photo / Prakash Singh
AFP Photo / Prakash Singh

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Indian artists recreate a scene from the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)
Indian artists recreate a scene from the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster (AFP Photo / Prakash Singh)

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AFP Photo / Prakash Singh
AFP Photo / Prakash Singh

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AFP Photo / Prakash Singh
AFP Photo / Prakash Singh