ISLAMABAD: Special Olympics Pakistan, in collaboration with the National University of Modern Languages (Numl), organised trials in table tennis, bocce, power-lifting, and basketball here at university on Thursday.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from children with autism and other intellectual disabilities, representing schools from Islamabad and Rawalpindi districts.

According to a press release issued by Numl, the trials are part of Special Olympics Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents, build confidence, and foster inclusion.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation in this domain, reaching over 5.3 million athletes and unified partners in nearly 170 countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Regional Sports Manager of Special Olympics Pakistan Shamiala Iram said, “These trials are not just about winning or losing, they are about celebrating ability, promoting acceptance, and building a more inclusive society. We are proud to witness such incredible talent and spirit today.”

The press release said that the event drew attention to the role of sports in uplifting the lives of differently abled athletes, offering them a platform to grow physically, emotionally, and socially.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025