Mangalore, Dec 18: Two sports talents of Mangalore based St Agnes Special School were given a rousing welcome on Wednesday when they returned to the city after participating in Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP) Regional Games held in Australia.
Danan Saldanha and Moideen Thazman received a grand reception at KSRTC bus stand, Bejai as they stepped out of the bus with silver medals they secured in cricket held in Hunter stadium in Newcastle, Australia from December 1 to December 7 as part of the Olympics that began on November 26.
The two boys along with their coach Narayan K were taken in a procession on an open vehicle around the city.
Briefing the media persons about the successful Australia trip, Mr Narayan said that it was a great task for him to take special children and represent in sports abroad. “It is our fortune that we have great achievers and enthusiastic students. They need encouragement to achieve and they have desire of winning games,” he said.
“It is sad that while returning we were not welcomed by any 'elected representatives' of Karnataka. As per my knowledge, in other states of India several ministers came forward to welcome special children at the airport”, he said.
“We had to spend extra money from our pockets in this tour. We had approached minister for sports and youth service K Abhaychandra Jain for departmental help but in vain. We are disappointed with our state government,” he said.
Welcoming the special achievers at the bus stand Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo said that the Government has to come forward and give encouragement to such talents. He also announced Rs 50,000 reward for both students from Mangalore City Corporation.
Later, St Agnes Special School, Bendore, organized the felicitation programme for the medalists.
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