Three special athletes from Pakistan all prepared to depart for Austria to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017.
The Chief Minister’s Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) in Punjab has started an initiative to encourage participation of differently abled youth in globally acknowledged sports events.
Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif hosted the differently abled athletes of Pakistan’s Special Olympics athletes Abdullah Tahir, Farrukh Ihsan and Mehwish Tufail who would depart for the World Winter Games 2017 in Austria.
Chief Minister Punjab also met athlete’s families, coaches and staff for Special Olympics to honor them prior to their departure. Chief Minister Punjab gave athletes cheques of Rs 300,000 each and assured every possible financial help for their families.
On the special appeal from Furrukh Ihsan mother, he stated to give a house, while he also announced financial assistance for the mother of Mehwish Tufail.
The Chief Minister reiterated his strong commitment towards international development agenda and efforts for nurturing an inclusive Punjab.
“The government is striving for provision of rights and opportunities to special youth by mainstreaming their participation in educational, sports, recreational and skills development activities.” Shehbaz Sharif added.
Special Olympics Pakistan is dedicated to transforming lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. Special Olympics World Winter Games take place every four years and this year.
Provincial Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Shafique, Jehangir Khanzada, secretary sports and concerned officials also attended the meeting.