Medal Winners of Athens Special Olympics Accorded Grand Welcome in City
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS/VA)
Mangalore, Jul 9: The medal winners of Special Olympics-2011 organized in Athens, Greece were given a rousing welcome near the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai here on Friday July 8.
Winners
Dhanya S Rao (2 gold medals in roller skating), a student of Chetana Bala Vikasa Kendra.
Royston Pinto (1 gold medal in roller skating) and Anil Mendonsa(1 bronze medalin volley ball), both being students of St Agnes special school, Bendorewell.
Pramila Pinto (1 gold and bronze medal in roller skating) a student of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor, Shirva Udupi.
Asha Jyothi, a forum for the physically challenged and their parents with the help of other dignitaries in the society organized the programme. Mayor Praveen, Dy Mayor Geetha Nayak, Zilla Panchayath president K T Shailaja Bhat, former mayor Shashidhar Bhat among others were present.
Speaking on the occasion, K T Shailaja Bhat said that incentive will be given by the Zilla Panchayath administration to the winners. Mayor Praveen announced that Rs 50000 to each winners will be given from the Mangalore City Corporation.
Apart from political leaders and organizers, even commuters and people gathered on their wish were seen wishing and garlanding the ‘celebrities’. Later a procession was carried from KSRTC to PVS in an open vehicle.
Earlier a felicitation programme was organized at St Agnes Special School by the school administration. Fr Antony Serao, Sr Olivia, joint secretary, ex-principal Maria Jyothi, Sr Carmelite, principal Sr Shruthi, parents of the medal winners among others were present. Rina compered the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Anil Mendonsa opined that all success he obtained because of the grace of almighty. He added that initially he lacked courage to win the medal, but constant support from the school made it possible. Another medal winner of the school Royston Pinto said that it was a memorable movement to win medal in Athens. Teachers expressed their happiness on the occasion.