MICHAEL HOLMES, WORLD NEWS: The Olympic games in Sydney get under way in about four months. But in New Delhi, the games are already under way, and they are known as "the rural Olympics." With details, Ram Ramgopal.</s>RAM RAMGOPAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's called the Rural Olympics 2000, but it's more than a sports competition. The event in New Delhi brought together youngsters from throughout India. All the activities of the rural Olympics are aimed at helping mentally challenged kids gain self-confidence and adjust to the pressures and challenges they face outside their homes. Many of the mothers joined the fun - something mental health professionals say is important.</s>FATHER THOMAS FELIX, CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL RETARDATION: Here, what we are doing</s>RAMGOPAL: In addition to races, tug-of-war and other contests, the children got to paint, sing and dance with their mothers and some new- found friends.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It's very nice to be here as we had a lot of fun and participated in events such as painting, race and also the color combinations. I've come here for the first time and am feeling great.</s>RAMGOPAL: Many of the participating parents had as much fun as their children, and many agree more such events should be organized to give kids with special needs a better chance at living a well-adjusted and fulfilling life. Ram Ramgopal, CNN.
New Delhi Holds Rural Olympics 2000 For Children With Special  Needs