President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday said that the entire nation was proud of special athletes for their outstanding performance and bringing laurels to the country in the Special Olympics World Games-2015. "I am very glad to be among you (special athletes) and the whole Pakistani Nation is proud of you," said the President while meeting the special athletes here at the Governor House.
He said it was appreciable that the special children, who won 15 gold, 12 silver and eight bronze medals, were naturally somewhat ill but their performance was outstanding. He also appreciated the efforts of Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP), a non-governmental organisation working for the rights of special people. President Mamnoon said supporting SOP was a noble mission and expressed the hope that the people doing so would continue this with determination and enthusiasm.
He asked the SOP to submit demands, including hearing aids, and problems of special children to the President House for their systematic solution. The government would provide help resolve the issues, he added. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-Ul-Ebaad Khan, on the occasion also assured to help the SOP. Earlier, Chairperson, Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP), Ronak Lakhani and Brand Ambassador for SOP Actress Sarwat Gilani apprised the President of the achievements of special athletes. They said the children performed well in nine games, including Aquatics, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Table Tennis and others. Around 177 countries participated in the Special Olympics World Games and the Pakistani special children won various medals, they added.