The organisers had arranged musical and theatre programmes in which differently-abled children also took part. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted the differently abled athletes of Pakistan’s Special Olympics squad before their departure for the World Winter Games 2017 in Austria.
The Chief Minister’s Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) in Punjab has started an initiative to encourage participation of differently abled youth in globally acknowledged sports events.
On Friday, Shehbaz invited three athletes, their families, coaches and staff for Special Olympics to honor them prior to their departure.
The chief minister reiterated his strong commitment towards international development agenda and efforts for nurturing an inclusive Punjab.
“The government,” he said, “is striving for provision of rights and opportunities to special youth by mainstreaming their participation in educational, sports, recreational and skills development activities.”
He also announced funding the trips of three differently abled athletes belonging to Punjab: Mehwish Tufail, Muhammad Abdullah and Farah Ehsan.
“I strongly encourage special youth and their parents to commit to education and sports. Instead of disability restricting their inclusion, my government will continue to ensure that it brings along opportunity and success for them,” Shehbaz said.
Special Olympics Pakistan is dedicated to transforming lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. Special Olympics World Winter Games take place every four years and this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2017.
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