Indian contingent given warm send-off ahead of Special Olympics

A 378-strong Indian contingent, including 289 athletes, 73 coaches were given a send-off on Monday for the coming Special Olympics World Summer Games-2019.

The event was held at the city's Frank Anthony Public School. The Guests of Honour included former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, and Ambassador of Ecuador, Hector Cueva Jacome.

The participants will depart on March 8 for the global event where they will represent India in 14 out of 24 Olympic-type sports.

For long, the teams have been practicing in their respective states and also at the national level camps held under the supervision of National Sports Director and the head of the delegation Victor R Vaz.

Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor, founding trustee and CEO Special Olympics Bharat, said: "It gives me immense pleasure to see growing support for our athletes going for the World Summer Games. The fact that the athletes have pushed themselves to this extent to be able to face a global sporting challenge makes me proud."

"Special Olympics is a great movement and I feel delighted to be part of the sending off of the Indian contingent for the World Summer Games 2019," said Kaif.