Islamabad: Young Pakistani athletes who won a total of 65 medals in the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi were hailed as “heroes” at a ceremony held in their honour in Islamabad on Monday.
The reception was hosted by Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi, the Ambassador of the UAE to Pakistan, to celebrate the spirit of Pakistan’s Special Olympic team.
Federal Minister National Health Services, Aamer Mehmood Kiani, was the chief guest. He said the government was working towards making Pakistan an “inclusive society” and “would soon announce new initiatives to provide facilities to the disabled population.”
Shumaila Iram, regional sports manager at SOP, said, “This gesture by UAE Ambassador Mr Hamad Al-Zaabi has overwhelmed us, especially the kids are delighted to hear words of appreciation from the ambassador.”
The UAE embassy also hosted a reception for the team before their departure for the games in early March and promised to welcome them back with the same spirit.
The young athletes dressed in green and white outfits and wore the medals earned at the celebrated global event that brought together 7,000 athletes from 170 countries. “We have made Pakistan proud at the international sporting forum” said Farzana Khan, 17, showing her gold medal. “Now our only wish is to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan. He is also an athlete. I am sure he will support and appreciate us,” Farzana, the young basketball player, told Gulf News.
Mohammad Talha Ul Haq, 23, who won a silver medal in table tennis, dedicated the victory to his coaches and parents.
“Pakistan team won a total of 65 medals, including 19 gold medals, 27 silver and 19 bronze. This is a big achievement dedicated to all Pakistanis, especially our disabled community” said Iram. “These special kids have worked hard over the last four years for which they deserve recognition and equal opportunities, she said. “If these special kids can represent Pakistan at global level then they can achieve anything,” Iram stated.