ISLAMABAD, June 7: The speed-skater from Norway and four-time Olympic gold medallist Johan Olav Koss visited Mardan and interacted with school-children and members of the community.

The speed-skating world champion who hit the media headlines in 1994 during Lillehammer Winter Olympics uses “sport and play” as a tool for development of children and youth in the deprived areas of the world.

According to Aamir Bilal, sports analyst, the Olympian addressed a community gathering in Mardan.

The Olympian, he said, had informed the community about the positive outcomes of “sport and play” and assured them of all possible support.

He motivated them to become the catalyst of social change and encouraged youth to participate in healthy activities to foster peace and friendship through sport.

Earlier in the day, Koss also visited Centennial Girls Model School Mardan along with Laila Anderson and Iqbal Jatoi.

He stressed upon the children the importance of education and motivated the youth to become committed leaders.