Pakistan to Compete in Special Olympics World Winter Games

Published at: November 11, 2024 1:04 PM

Updated at: November 18, 2024 5:25 PM

Islamabad – Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, has confirmed that Pakistan’s athletes with special needs will participate in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing events at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, set to take place in Torino, Italy, in March 2025.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games, set to begin on March 8, will feature over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries.

To prepare, Special Olympics Pakistan organized a 10-day training camp in Karachi for 20 selected athletes from various cities across the country, according to a press release. The athletes were trained by qualified SOP coaches on Clifton Beach and in a gym, using specially imported snowshoes and skis. Indoor sessions focused on the technical aspects of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, accompanied by Media Advisor Asif Azeem, visited the camp to observe the athletes' progress.

Lakhani highlighted the importance of acclimating the athletes to winter conditions and announced that the second phase of training will be held in December at a colder location, either in Khanaspur or Naltar.

She encouraged the athletes to maintain their dedication, emphasizing the goal of representing Pakistan with pride at the Winter Games.