Udupi: Special Olympics gold medalist Sunitha Lobo gets rousing welcome
Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NM)
Udupi, Feb 9: Sunitha Lobo, who was part of the team that won the gold in floor hockey at the recent Special Olympics Winter Games held in Pyeong Chang in South Korean, was accorded a grand welcome at Pamboor, Shirva here on Saturday Febraury 9.
Sunitha is a student of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor.
Speaking on the occasion, Lalaji Mendon said, “Education is not limited to learning from text books. A proper blend of academics and extra-curricular activities is a must. It is a not easy to train differently-abled children,” he added, complimenting the teachers for their efforts.
Lauding the Manasa institution, he said, “The centre has been doing its best to bring special children to the forefront. With Sunitha's feat, the institution has won laurels internationally."
"Proposal to start a playground for the institution has been placed before the deputy commissioner, who is expected to give the green signal soon," he said.
Manasa Managing trustee Remedia D'Souza said, “Over the last 16 years, our students have taken part in 6 Special Olympics and won 4 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. Every year we need about Rs 1.50 crore, however, we receive just Rs 5 lacs and nothing has been granted by the state government. Udupi Sri Krishna Math has been providing mid-day meals to the institution."
Former MLA Vasanth V Salian, Fr Charles Louis, William Machado, Kiran Crasta, Sachitananda Bhat, Alphonso D'Costa, Helen Lobo, Sr Thelsa and others were present at the occasion.
Hundreds of students of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, their parents, teachers and local representatives and members of associations gave Sunitha Lobo a rousing welcome.
As Sunitha arrived, celebrations were at peak in the region. Students of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre welcomed their friend with flowers.
Ackowledging the warm welcome and addressing the reporters, Sunitha Lobo said, “Winning the gold in Olympics has brought me immense joy. The competition has given me experience. It was a tough competition. It was very cold in South Korea, and I was injured thrice. However, our team kept up its spirit till the end to win the gold. We never gave up hope, and that has brought us victory. The celebration has doubled my confidence. I will stand on my own feet, look after my family and continue in sports."
Helen Lobo, mother of Sunitha Lobo also expressed her joy on the occasion. She said, “Parents should nurture confidence among children, no matter how they are. I am proud of my dauther. Though we are not so well-to-do, we have received love, support and trust from the people."
Nasik band and dancing dolls were part of the celebration. Lavina, sister of Sunitha, zilla panchyat member Githanjali Suvarna, former zilla panchayat member Gerald Fernandes were also present.