
This is quite a remarkable achievement coming from athletes who belong to a country where little attention is given to the rights and needs of the physically or mentally disabled. Facilities are almost non-existent for their education, work opportunities are limited and only a few are able to participate in sport or other leisure activities. The specialisation required to assist those with mental handicaps is entirely unavailable outside major urban centres.
Given these limitations, the achievements of the Pakistani squad are all the more remarkable. They need to be recognised more enthusiastically, as a means to encourage these athletes but also to inspire others to do all they can to excel. We need to build greater acceptability for such citizens in a society that is traditionally reluctant to accept difference. The remarkable efforts of the Pakistan Special Olympic squad offer an opportunity to remind families that children with mental difficulties have within them a great deal of potential. This needs to be built on. The Pakistani athletes at Greece have set an example of what can be achieved. Their effort needs to be projected far more generously by the media and by organisations which seek to further the cause of ‘special’ people in our society.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2011.
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