Office of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities organised a grand welcome ceremony to honour the outstanding achievements and celebrate the success of the Goan contingent returning home after participating at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Berlin from June 17-25, .
To the beats of the dhol, tasha and a rousing cheering by the athletes’ families, arrived the 23-member squad of Goan athletes at Dabolim Airport on Wednesday evening. Goan ‘Special’ athletes excelled in various disciplines. Venson Paes, Aman Nadaf, Francis Parisapogu and Joel Rodrigues, were all a part of the gold medal-winning football squad.
Siya Sarode won two gold medals in powerlifting, while Geetanjali Nagvekar (800 metres) and Manfil Ferrao (basketball) accounted for the remaining two.
Sarode got a silver medal in powerlifting, Nagvekar bagged a silver in the 400 metres. Aayush Gadekar, silver-medallist, was part of the men’s volleyball, while Taniya Usgaonkar (roller skating) and Aslam Ganjanavar (judo) were the other two silver-medallists.
The five bronze medals for Goa came from Gayban Mulla (mini-javelin), Usgaonkar (roller skating), Sarode (powerlifting) and the two women footballers Gayatri Fatarpekar and Kajal Jadhav.
The function was graced by Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare, Alexio Reginald Lourenco, MLA, Curtorim, Carlos Alvares Fereira, MLA, Aldona, Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haaziq Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Ajit Panchwadkar, Director, Department of Social welfare. Others present included government officials, sports enthusiasts, friends, and family members of the athletes.
The ceremony that saw over 200 people gather to welcome the Goan contingent even as it rained, is a testament to the nation’s admiration and appreciation for the athletes’ exceptional accomplishments, as well as a platform to acknowledge their hard work and perseverance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Subhash Phal Dessai, said: “I am proud of what our Goan athletes have achieved in Berlin. Being a witness to their skill and hardwork, I can definitely say that they have made us realise that the power of self determination and positivity. Goa is proud of the athletes, the coaches and support staff who have tirelessly worked to get us these results for Goa and for our country.”
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities expressed joy over the success achieved by Goan ‘special’ athletes. “The Special Olympics witnessed extraordinary performances by our talented athletes, who displayed unmatched skill, indomitable spirit, and unwavering dedication throughout the competition. Their efforts and relentless pursuit of excellence have resulted in an outstanding medal tally, bringing home numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals across various disciplines.”
He added that the Office of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities is proud of its athletes. “Many returned back home with medals, but the entire contingent has won our love and respect for their unbeatable confidence and determination. Our office will leave no stone unturned to facilitate opportunities, training to athletes so that the our medal tally increases next time.”
Pawaskar appreciated the untiring efforts put in by Victor R. Vaz, National Sports Director of Special Olympics Bharat, VicePresident of Special Olympics Goa Luis Feranades, Vrushali Cardozo and others in making the Games a grand success.
13 athletes from Goa were part of the Indian team participating in unified Football (male and female), Futsal (male), Athletics (male and female), Roller Skating (Female), Basketball (male and female), Judo (male and female), Powerlifting (female), unified Volleyball (male and female) and Handball.
Over 7,000 athletes representing 190 delegations participated in the Special Olympics World Games 2023.
