Champions with Disability

Role of a Buddy

General Guidelines

1. Participants in the Champions With Disability (CWD) category at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon require buddies to enhance their performance in a secure, safe, clean, and fun manner. These guidelines provide parameters for buddies to effectively support their essential tasks.

Aim

2. The aim of this document is to establish Standing Operating Procedures for buddies of participants in the CWD category at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.

Definition of a Buddy

3. A Buddy is a “good friend,” “comrade,” or “assistant” who establishes a personal connection with the participant to ensure they enjoy the event safely and securely, enhancing their experience.

Types of Buddies

4. Buddies can be:

• Parent (any immediate relative)
• Guardian
• Trainer/Developer
• Carer from their Parent Organization
• Volunteers

Buddy-to-CWD Participant Ratio

5. Ideally, one Buddy per CWD participant. For non-mobile or multiply disabled CWDs, the ratio is always one Buddy per participant. For mobile participants with manageable disabilities, one Buddy can assist up to three participants. No Buddy should be responsible for more than three CWD participants.

Responsibility of the NGO

6. Each NGO with beneficiaries in the CWD category must ensure:

• Buddies are suitable, able-bodied, and capable of fulfilling race day responsibilities.
• Buddies understand and agree to their responsibilities.
• At least one core NGO member registers as a Buddy to oversee the fulfillment of responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of Buddies

7. The Buddy’s role is to provide all support and care to ensure CWD participants enjoy the event safely and securely.

Pre-Race Start

8. Specific responsibilities before the race:

• Get to know the CWD.
• Understand the CWD’s aspirations and desires.
• Ensure the CWD is aware of all event details provided by Procam International.
• Travel with the CWD to the event venue.
• Ensure the CWD is properly equipped for the run.
• Securely attach the bib to the CWD participant, including emergency details.
• Have necessary items (water, snacks, medicines) available.
• Establish communication and understand emergency procedures.

During the Start

9. Specific responsibilities during the start:

• Stay with the CWD at all times.
• Accompany the CWD to any needed facilities.
• Be aware of and cater to the CWD’s needs.
• Keep the CWD’s items secure.
• Ensure both the participant and Buddy wear face masks.

During the Run

10. Specific responsibilities during the run:

• Stay with the CWD participant at all times.
• Ensure the participant is appropriately geared.
• Prevent contact with unwanted individuals.
• Ensure hydration.
• Maintain high visibility and participation within safety limits.
• Be prepared for the CWD’s special needs.
• Stay in contact with Procam support.
• Avoid over-exertion and provide necessary rest.
• Stay calm, collected, and positive.
• Ensure both the CWD and Buddy enjoy the event.

After the Run

11. Specific responsibilities after the run:

• Celebrate the participant’s achievement.
• Capture memories with photos.
• Supervise the participant’s use of facilities.
• Ensure hydration and nutrition.
• Check the participant’s health and calm state.
• Keep the participant’s belongings safe.
• Ensure safe travel back to the participant’s home or destination.
• Hand over the participant to their guardian/authorized person.

Conclusion

12. These instructions can be supplemented by specific rules of participating groups.

13. Interaction between Buddies and participants is essential for trust and faith.

14. The goal is to “Enjoy while ensuring Safety and Security.”