KARACHI: A special ceremony was held in honour of the Pakistan Special Olympics squad which will participate in the 16th World Winter Special Games 2025 in Turin, Italy.

The event was held at the Bank Alfalah’s head office and attended by its president Atif Bajwa, Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, renowned actress Sarwat Gilani, squad leader Farkhanda Jabeen, group leader Humeira Kazim, famous woman martial artist Iman Khan as well as national team athletes and officials.

According to a press release, the special squad will participate in the games from March 8 to 16. It consists of 10 athletes — five men and as many women.

The special games will feature over 500 athletes from 102 countries, competing in eight different sports, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance sport, figure skating, floorball, short-track speed skating and snowboarding.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Lakhani highlighted the importance of enhancing the abilities of special individuals, enabling them to contribute to building a strong and stable society.

She urged the people of Pakistan to pray for the success of the national team in the games.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025