Mangalore: Jubilant Crowd Welcomes Special Olympics Achiever Dhanraj

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Oct 14: It was a special occasion for the teachers of St Agnes Special School, in the city. Their student, Dhanraj Saripalla, who secured silver and bronze medal in the Special Olympics held at Shanghai in China from October 2 to 11, was offered touching welcome when he arrived at KSRTC bus stand on Sunday, October 14 morning.

His proud parents, Madhav and Leela, sister Nandini, MLA Yogish Bhat, physical instructor Narayan and teachers of St Agnes Special School, were waiting since hours to welcome him. When he arrived at the location, the entire place was changed to festive atmosphere.

Dhanraj is studying in the Class IX at St Agnes Special School.

“Despite his left hand was injured when he was practising on the ground at Shanghai, he has been successful in bagging silver and bronze medals", said Donnet D’Silva, physical director of St Aloysius College, who accompanied Indian Special Olympic team to China.

At the same time, MLA Yogish Bhat, announced cash award of Rs 5 thousand to Dhanraj and assured to recommend the state administration to honour him with awards.

Vasant Kumar Shetty, special officer of this Olympics tour, said that it’s glad that a Mangalorean boy has made a distinct achievement in the world of Special Olympics, represented by countries from across the world.  He has come from a poor family. However, with the support from citizens of Mangalore and the various social welfare and voluntary organizations, here helped him to achieve this marvelous debut, he opined.

Later, the jubilant crowd carried him in a colourful procession accompanied by band which passed through M G Road, PVS Circle, Bunts Hostel, finally concluded at St Agnes Special School Grounds, Bendoor.