The incurable disability that affects three to six children per thousand globally, and fastest growing serious developmental disability in the world has joined the selected list of diseases like diabetes, cancer and AIDS for which, UN has designated April 2 to observe as World Autism Awareness Day.
On the 2April 2011 special Olympics Bharat –Goa held and awareness for the world Autism Day. Master Malay Samant aged nine years the son of the proud parents Nitesh and ,Varsha Samant achieved the feat of crossing the river Mandovi which is appx.2.3Kms.
Nine year old autistic, Master Malya Samant a special Athlete studying at Lourdes Convent High School Saligao-Goa , swam across the Mandovi river on world Autism Awareness Day along with regular swimmers Master Abraham Fernandes,Miss. Abigail D’costa and Miss. Vinela Olenga Dias. Later they were felicitated at the Captain of Ports Jetty by the chief Guest Mr.Yatin Parekh, Mayor of Corporation of the City of Panjim, Mr. Tony Dias Deputy Commissioner of Customs, and Mr. Makija Pinto C.C.P.Councilor, Mr.Eugenio Cardoso.Dy Director of Sports Authority of Goa. Speaking on the occasion the chief guest Mr Yatin Parekh whilst congratulating the swimmers and special olympics Bharat – Goa promised to host this event annually in collaboration with Special Olympics Goa.
These athletes were trained by Sports Authority of Goa coaches at Peddem swimming pool in Mapusa-Goa. The swim with a difference was organized by Special Olympics Bharat with a sole objective of creating awareness on the need of society to encourage children with autism.Earlier Mr. Victor R. Vaz National Sports Director Special Olympics Bharat welcomed the guest and Mr. Luis Fernandes Sports Director Special Olympics Goa proposed the votes of thanks
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