Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel here today felicitated special athletes, their coaches and officials who returned to India after successful participation in the World Winter Games in Austria from 14th - 25th March 2017.
Special Olympics Team India Competing against 2700 athletes from 107 countries won 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze medals and secured 5th position in the overall medal tally.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had earlier cleared a contingent of 90 athletes, 23 coaches and 3 officials at full cost to the government. The total cost for participation for the Indian contingent was about rupees 1.50 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vijay Goel said that these athletes have proved that by devotion and determination a person can achieve anything during his life. He expressed the hope that many of these special athletes will become a sporting star and bring glory to the nation in future as well.
He congratulated each member of the team and wished them all the very best for future competitions. Shri Goel said their win is a source of inspiration for youngsters and we will continue to support their endeavours.