THE GOAN
PANAJI
The inception of Special Olympics Bharat was a brainchild and outcome of Air Marshal Keelor’s approach of thinking ‘out of the box’, back in 2001. SO, Bharat is a national sports federation, recognised by the Ministry of Youth affairs & Sports, Govt of India and accredited by the Special Olympics International USA, for conducting sports and development programs for the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental delays.
A loving human being as much as an inspiring leader and a brave heart Air force officer breathed his last on 28 August 2024 in New Delhi. His range of achievements and a talent to excel in everything he did earned him several accolades, none of which prevented him to be anything other than a grounded human being with a magical ability of drawing people of all ages towards himself and the organisation.
Air Marshal Keelor was revered for his experience, result- oriented performance and professional leadership. Under his dynamic leadership the SO Bharat program expanded from 25000 Athletes in 2001 to crossing the 1 million mark of registered Athletes across all the states and Union Territories of India covering nearly all the districts in March 2013. The organisation continued to develop on the path of sustained quality growth under his leadership.
He was born on 7th December 1933 in Lucknow, having studied in St. George’s College, Mussouree and La Martiniere College, Lucknow before joining the Indian Air Force in 1953 as a fighter pilot having served as the Inspector General before retiring in 1991. He had a brilliant career during which he distinguished himself as an exceptional Fighter pilot and leader and held key Operational and Staff assignments. He earned recognition for gallantry and distinguished service of an exceptional order, receiving four Presidential awards from four consecutive Presidents of India, Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Kirti Chakra (KC), Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vir Chakra (VrC) and four commendations from the Chief of Air Staff, thus making him the highest decorated officer in the country.
In 2004, he received an award from Special Olympics International for his leadership and efforts to reach out to over 450,000 Special Children. In October 2007, at the World Summer Games in Shanghai, a special ceremony was held where he received the “Special Spirit of China Award of Excellence”, along with world leaders Nelson Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vanessa Williams, Quincy Jones, Nadia Comaneci and other distinguished personalities, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and unique contribution to the Special Olympics Movement.
In his tribute to Air Marshal Denzil Keelor (Retd.), PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC, Mr. Victor R Vaz, former National Sports director, SO Bharat said, “ Air Marshal led a great life, having been loved by most of the people he met even in his professional space and, from all over the world. I am blessed for having worked so closely with him for several years. He was the greatest celebrity we could ever have , who advocated acceptance, respect, recognition and inclusion for one of the most marginalised population that the organisation aims to serve. Transformed lives of several persons, is a precious legacy he has left behind. It is sad to see a magnanimous personality leave us forever”.
