Pakistan puts up spirited show at the Special Olympics Summer Games 2011 – Athletics news
While appearing at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in the historical city of Athens, Greece, the contingent from Pakistan marked an unprecedented success with Bakhtawar Gul and Ayesha Iftikhar claiming top positions in the 100m meet at the event.
Adeel Ameer and Ali Sakhawat bagged gold and a silver medal in the high jump and Men’s 200m respectively, while Rabia Saeed and Mehwish Iftikhar prevailed in the badminton and table tennis events. The prestigious athletics tournament, which is being organised
at the Panathinaiko Stadium, observed more than 7,500 athletes representing 185 countries worldwide.
The idea of organising the Special Olympics World Summer Games on the pattern of the world Olympics was rather a great one. Sports, of course, have always played a crucial role in creating high morale among the neglected (disabled) sections of societies.
Sports have been a major reason of putting up smiles on faces, prompting determination and invoking the sense of confidence, which always boost physically and mentally challenged people.
The feeling of being a competitor creates self-belief and urges participants to strive and shine. In this perspective, the ongoing Olympic Games for special people seem to do their job impeccably.
Appearing on the field while representing the green flag, Gul, covered the desired distance in 17.37 seconds. The second position on the podium was secured by Ayesha Iftikhar, who crossed the finishing line in 17.90 seconds. Third spot of the run was claimed
by Nayla H Aalathem from Bahrain, who marked an impressive 18.12 seconds to stand third on the podium.
In the long jump, Ameer’s display of a perfect performance was rather stunning, where for marking a huge 1.35m stride, he out-did his Swiss rival, Alfio Lorenzetti, who landed at 1.25m. Dario Machuca from Argentina leaped a staggering 1.20m to earn third
position in the event.
The 22-year old emerging sprinter, Sakhawat Ali, earned the silver medal when he covered the 200m distance in an impressive 25.53 seconds. The winner of the title was Bayaer Haosi from China, who finished the race 11 seconds ahead of his Pakistani competitor.
The third place on the podium was bagged by Owen Reitchie from Jamaica, who stopped the clock in 25.72 seconds.
Tags: