THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI: Stating that medals bagged by special children from Goa at the recent Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi have brought honour to the State, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant assured to direct the sports department to ensure that these medallists get all benefits entitled to sportspersons excelling at the international level.
The CM was addressing a gathering after felicitating twin gold medallist Harshad Gaonkar and his mother Radhika at the Keshav Seva Sadhana Special School in Bicholim.
Harshad had bagged two gold medals for roller skating in the 300m and 500m races at the recently-held Special Olympics at Abu Dhabi, bringing honour to Goa and India.
Praising Harshad for his achievement, Dr Sawant said, “It is a proud moment for Goa as our own special student has won Olympic gold medals and this is a great achievement. The government and the sports department will give full support to these sportspersons, who have excelled at the world level and have brought honour to Goa.”
Stating that Harshad hails from a poor family and needed special attention, the CM said he would take all necessary steps to help the boy and his family, while also promising assistance from the CM's fund.
In order to enable his mother Radhika, a contract sweeper at the electricity department at Panaji, to be in a better position to support Harshad, Dr Sawant said he would also get her transferred to the electricity department office in Bicholim.
Besides this, the CM also promised necessary school and hostel facilities for special children.
On the occasion, Dr Sawant also praised The Goan for highlighting the achievements of Harshad and other special children excelling at the world games, stating that such coverage would motivate and encourage special children.
Radhika later thanked the CM for taking time out to felicitate Harshad, despite his hectic schedule.
Others present at the function included chairman of Keshav Seva Sadhana Special School Sagar Shetye, Makarand Kamat, Dr Sandeep Sawant, Paresh Khanolkar, Anand Joshi, Deelip Desai and Sanjana Desai.
