Mangaluru: “Though we were a little bit saddened when we came to know that our son has a learning disability, we accepted it in a positive manner. But, now we are very happy after seeing his performance”, said Jeevan D’Souza, father of Ashley D’Souza, who bagged four bronze medals in ‘World Special Olympics – 2019’ held at Abu Dhabi.
The 19-year-old Ashley D’Souza, who has been studying in St. Agnes Special School had been to Abu Dhabi to participate in the ‘World Special Olympics’ which was held between March 14 and 22. Ashley won four bronze medals in the powerlifting competitions in four different categories. Ashley’s father Jeevan D’Souza has been running a grocery shop in Lalbagh and mother Stella D’Souza is a housewife. Ashley’s sister Beverly Jessica D’Souza is pursuing her third year engineering course at St. Joseph’s Engineering College, Vamanjoor.
The other three medal winners are Abhilash B, who secured three gold medals in powerlifting competitions in three different categories, Prajwal, who also secured three gold medals in powerlifting competitions and Nizamuddin who secured fourth place in unified football. While Ashley and Nizamuddin are the students of St. Agnes Special School, Abhilash and Prajwal are studying in Saanidhya Residential School, Shakthinagar.
Premanath Ullal, the trainer of special children told newskarnataka.com that all the three had proven their abilities by securing medals in Special Olympics. “People should support them in order to boost their confidence”, he said. Physical Education Instructor at St. Agnes Special School, Narayan Sherigar and Principal Sr. Maria Shruthi sought the sponsorship of both public and private institutions for the special children, citng that many special students were from a poor financial background. “If they are provided proper opportunity and support, they would achieve greater heights in their life”, he said.
Rousing welcome to the winners at KSRTC Bus Stand in Bejai on Mar 25
All the four medal winners with arrive to a rousing welcome at the KSRTC Bus Stand in Bejai on March 25 at around 10 AM, said Administrator of Saanidhya, Dr. Vasanth Kumar Shetty. He disclosed with the reporters that a winning procession would be taken out from Bejai via Ballalbagh, Shedigudda, K S Rao Road, Hotel Srinivas, Mohini Vilas Road, Carstreet, Kudroli and Mannagudda. Later, a small programme will be held at Mangala Stadium to felicitate the medal winners”, he said.
