German Consul General honours Pak special athletes
The triumphant athletes who brought home honours for Pakistan in the Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin have been receiving a warm welcome across the nation.
To commemorate their remarkable victory in the global sporting event, a special ceremony was arranged at the German Consulate in Karachi hosted by Consul General Dr Rudiger Lotz.
Medalists, unified partners, and coaches along with Special Olympics Pakistan Advisor Yasmin Haider, National Director Taha Tahir, Media Advisor Asif Azeem and National Sports Director Farkhunda Jabeen and other personalities attended the event.
While delivering the welcome speech on this occasion, the Dr Lotz said that six and a half thousand athletes from 176 countries participated in the Special Olympics World Games hosted by Germany for the first time.
Pakistani athletes have won more than 80 gold medals in the World Games and have proven that when there is a determination to win and a strong belief in hard work, no difficulty or hurdle can stop them from achieving success.
Dr Lotz said that Pakistan's athletes are the best-second to none in the world. "Along with medals in the Berlin World Games, they have also won the hearts of all with their good morals and attitude as representatives of their country, for which I congratulate them and the Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, Ronak Lakhani," he said.
SOP Adviser Yasmeen Haider thanked Dr Lotz for organising the event and said that the German Embassy in Islamabad and Karachi have made it possible for the athletes to participate in the World Games by facilitating the visa process.
"The support of the consulate has been exemplary. Our special children have achieved the feat in Berlin that the nation was waiting for a long time," she said. They need to be given confidence, and such events are very helpful in motivating the players, she added.
Taha Tahir, National Director of SOP, said that special athletes are inferior to none in their abilities and talents.
On this occasion, the host Dr Lotz also distributed gifts among the players.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2023.