Special Olympics World Winter Games: The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will attend the official send-off ceremony for the 49-member Indian team for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. It is the largest Indian contingent that will compete in the World Winter Games to be held in Turin, Italy, from March 7 to 17.
The Indian team comprises 30 athletes, three officials, and 16 support staff, including coaches. The special athletes will be competing in six disciplines – Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Floorball, Short Speed Skating, Snowboarding, and Snow Shoeing.
Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Sports Ministry has laid strong emphasis on supporting specially-abled athletes. In this connection, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) provided 11 national coaching camps for these athletes in various Indian cities – Chandigarh, Narkanda, New Delhi, Gwalior, Noida, and Gurgaon – to help them prepare well for the World Winter Games.
