Pakistan’s special athletes are set to represent the nation in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing events at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, scheduled to take place in Torino, Italy, in March 2025. This prestigious international event, organized by Special Olympics, is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports and aims to foster inclusion and unity.
Special Olympics 2017: Pakistan Athletes Prove Mettle with 16 Medals
The Winter Games, beginning on March 8, will host over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries, who will compete across multiple winter sports. For Pakistan’s team, the journey to Italy began with a 10-day training camp in Karachi. Special Olympics Pakistan selected 20 athletes from cities across the country, each eager to showcase their talents on the global stage.
In 2017, Pakistan’s athletes made a notable mark at the World Winter Games held in Austria, winning several medals in snowshoeing, a testament to the skill and determination they bring to the sport.
The 2024 training camp, organized by Special Olympics Pakistan, was carefully designed to prepare athletes for winter conditions they might encounter in Italy. Sessions led by certified coaches were held on Clifton Beach for endurance and stamina, while indoor gym workouts focused on strength building. Snowshoes and skis were imported specifically for this camp, allowing athletes to practice techniques essential to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Indoor sessions provided technical training on form, posture, and strategies, laying a strong foundation for their upcoming performances.
Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani, and Media Advisor Asif Azeem during the visit Karachi camp, commended the athletes for their dedication. Lakhani announced that a second phase of training would be conducted in December at a colder location, such as Khanaspur or Naltar, to further prepare them for Torino’s winter conditions.
Pakistan’s participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games not only highlights the resilience of its athletes but also celebrates the spirit of inclusion and unity through sports.
