The three-day Special Olympics National Games has been started here at the Gymnasium of hockey stadium on Saturday. The three days games have been organized by Sports Board Punjab, Special Olympics Pakistan and the Chief Minister's Special Monitoring Unit. As many as 250 special athletes are participating in the games.
Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Jahangir Khanzada in his message said, "We are all equal and these games represent the resolve of the Chief Minister of "No Athlete Left Behind". Today we host 250 differently abled athletes from all across the nation to take part in these games." Chief Minister's Special Monitoring Unit's Head Fatima Zaidi in her address said, "Inclusion is a way of thinking, a way of being and a way of making decisions about helping everyone co-exist in harmony. The games are aimed at promoting inclusion and equity amongst the society."
Special Olympics Pakistan Vice - Chairperson Anis Ur Rehman said, "We are holding the games and are celebrating the 50 years of Special Olympics Movement, nearly 50 coaches and 250 athletes have joined the games." During the three days event, the 250 male and female participants will take part in competitions of Bocce, power lifting and soccer. The winners of the games will be selected to compete in the World Games in March 2019.