Special athletes get rousing welcome
KARACHI: Pakistan’s winning contingent returned home on Tuesday from the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games 2013 which concluded in Australia.
The 60 athletes won 51 medals at the week-long Games in New Castle.
According to coach Ishrat Zehra, 15 out of 16 athletes from Karachi won medals. She said that the perception of the special athletes among the people has changed for the better.
“We never expected such a big reception from people at the airport,” Zehra told The Express Tribune. “The perception has changed.
“When we came back from Greece after participating in the World Games, people were not as aware about our work. But now it’s accepted and these athletes are recognised. It’s a great feeling to coach them and to see them win.”
The Pakistan squad won 23 gold medals, 12 silver and 16 bronze medals.
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