10 September 2004	Friday	24 Rajab 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 9: A 10-member team of special sports persons of Pakistan left on Thursday to Athens to participate in the 12th Paralympic Games to be held there during Sept 17-28.

The Pakistani team comprises seven physically disabled, two visually impaired and one cerebral palsy athlete who will be amongst the 4000 sports persons from 140 countries taking part in this year's Paralympics.

The seven physically handicapped athletes and their respective disciplines at Paralympics are: Munawar Hussain of Lahore (100 and 200 metres races and javelin throw and long jump), Muhammad Shafiq of Lahore (100, 200, 400 metres, long jump and shot put), Muhammad Adeel Khan of Peshawar (javelin throw, shot put and long jump), Nasrullah Khan of Peshawar (100, 200, 400 metres, long jump and shot put), Muhammad Ashfaq of Lahore (100 metres, long jump, shot put and javelin throw), Noor Alam of Rawalpindi (100, 200 metres, long jump and shot put) and Nasir Butt of Lahore (power-lifting).

Of the two visually-impaired persons, Amina Bibi of Attock will take to the track for 100 and 200 metres races and will also represent the country in women's shot put while Shehzad Javed of Rawalpindi will go for 100, 200, 400 metres and long jump.

Zubair Khan of Islamabad has cerebral palsy and will compete in 100, 200 metres, long jump and shot put. Besides the 10 players, the Pakistan contingent also comprises Chef d' Mission, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Special Education, five coaches, five other administrative and publicity officials. -APP