May 1, 2003	Thursday	Safar 28, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, April 30: President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday announced a grant of Rs 1.8 million for Special Olympics Pakistan after its officials and about 20 special children called on him.

Led by Saeed Ahmed, the president of the body and its general secretary Ronak Lakhani, the delegation apprised President Musharraf of their plans and problems.

The president, who is also the patron of Special Olympics, besides announcing Rs 1.8 million also agreed to fulfil the shortfall in air tickets of the Pakistan contingent that is to compete in the Special Olympics in Dublin this June.

Saeed, who along with Ronak held a news conference following their meeting with president, said that PIA had earlier agreed to give them a 75 per cent concession on tickets.

Saeed said that the president showed keen interest in the activities of Special Olympics Pakistan and told them he would like to witness their National Games.

The Pakistan contingent to the Dublin Games will comprise 34 male athletes and 36 girls and Saeed said he expected the party to do well. “Although it is all about participation and not medals, still I feel our athletes are capable of winning; they’re in good shape.”

The players have been training hard for the Games which are being held outside the US for the first time. “Our athletes won 61 medals at the last Games in North Carolina,” Ronak said.

The Games are due to start from June 21 while the Pakistan team will leave on the 15th.