KARACHI, May 31: Pakistan’s Dublin-bound Special Olympic contingent was honored by Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) at a glittering reception on Saturday.

Corps Commander Tariq Waseem Ghazi, who was chief guest on the occasion praised the courage and spirit of the children to overcome all their difficulties to represent Pakistan.

He expressed the hope these athletes like in South Carolina will bring more glory and honor for the country.

He said he was highly impressed to know that they won 59 medals in USA including 28 gold.

Chairman, SOP Saeed Ahmed Khan appreciated President General Pervez Musharraf for extending his support for special athletes.

He said these young men and women worked hard to prepare themselves for Special Olympics.

He expressed the hope they will perform well on and off the field and prove themselves good ambassadors in Ireland.

He especially mentioned Ronaq Lakhani for her immense role and contribution in supporting SOP.

He lauded various multinational companies and individuals and particularly Shell Pakistan and PIA for their continous support.

Saeed Ahmed said 60 athletes chosen have had to work their through a gruelling regimen of highly competitive sporting events with 7,000 athletes registered with SOP.

A 60-member Pakistan contingent including 36 men and 24 women will be flying to Dublin on June 14 to feature in Special Olympics being held there from June 21 to 29.

Pakistani athletes will be appearing in eight events including athletics, aquatics, tennis, basketball, badminton, football, table tennis and bocce.

Bocce is relatively new sport introduced in Pakistan in 1997-aimed at making the event more inclusive since it is specially gear for more severely physically and mentally handicapped individuals and help foster eye-hand coordination.

The reception was also attended by 23 coaches of SOP, voluntary workers, delegates and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Karachi Hasib Ahsan.—APP