The national team arrives at Olympia Stadium in Berlin for the opening ceremony
Athletes will bring “laurels to the motherland,” according to the leader of Pakistan, who included athlete Sana among the torchbearers.
GERMANY: The Pakistani national team arrived at Berlin’s Olympia Stadium on Sunday to take part in the 16th Special Olympic World Games’ opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony, as “Pakistan Zindabad” chants filled the stadium, Pakistani players wore their traditional shalwar kameez and vest.
Sana, a Pakistani athlete, is one of the ceremony’s torchbearers. Special athletes were enthusiastic about the opening ceremony.
Being chosen to light the Special Olympic World Games torch is a huge honour for Pakistan and for me, she remarked.
At the opening ceremony, there will also be a musical performance, a laser light show, and fireworks.
Both German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Special Olympics President Timothy Shriver will be present.
At the opening ceremony are Special Olympics Pakistan Ambassador Sarwat Gilani, Head of Delegation of Pakistani contingent Ronaq Lakhani, and Advisor Yasmin Haider.
PM Shehbaz greets sportspeople
The athletes were wished by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who noted that Pakistan has a significant presence at the international competition.
The hard effort they put in while preparing for 11 games is now paying off, he said.
The prime minister continued by expressing his confidence that “our special and privileged athletes will use the mega opportunity to bring laurels to the motherland through their talent and determination.” They are supported by the nation’s collective prayers.
