Hunza, May 11: The first ever Special People Sports Festival in Gilgit-Baltistan has been concluded in Altit Hunza with the commitment to regularize such events to streamline the disadvantaged segment of community as productive citizens. The 4-days event was organized by Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Pakistan (AKSWB,P) to make the special people as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. About 250 special people from Hunza and Gilgit Regions actively participated in different sports and other events. The main events included 50 meter race, 100 meter race, relay race, sack race, music chair dance, tug of war and football. Besides sports, special people also performed different other items like traditional dances, speeches and music. Pakistan Special Olympics technically supervised the sports and athletics events. The Special Olympics Pakistan has also selected athletes for upcoming special people sports festival expected to be held during July or August of this year. According to surveys, about 1200 people have different types of disabilities only in Hunza valley.

In his speech Husain Tejani, Chairman AKSWB for Pakistan stressed the need to integrate special people in mainstream society for a more balance development in communities.

Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman , member, Northern Areas Legislative Assembly was Chief Guest for the final days event. In his Speech, he appreciated the efforts of AKSWB for organizing a mega sports festival for the highly neglected segment of the society. He said special people are innocent and harmless for the society and serving them is an important part of the Islammic teachings. He saluted the contribution of His Highness Karim Aga Khan in the development of the isolated communities of Northern Areas. Mr. Abdul Sattar, secretary, planning and Development Northern Areas also attended the event. A large number of community members, local, regional and national level leadership were present at the occasion. Dignitaries distributed medals among the winners in each category.