Jashan-e-Azadi wheelchair marathon held in Lahore

Lahore : Jashan-e-Azadi wheelchair marathon was held from Liberty Chowk to Gulberg Market under the aegis of Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Mall Department Punjab and Pakistan Para Olympics Organization, today which was participated by 34 girl and boy students under training at rehabilitation centers for disabled of Pakistan Para Olympics and Social Welfare Department.

The aim of the race was to promote extracurricular activities among special persons and create awareness among civil society about their problems and status.

Director General Social Welfare Waheed Akhtar Ansari and President Pakistan Para Olympics Dr. Khalid Jameel were chief guests on the occasion. Addressing the participants, Waheed Akhtar Ansari said that Social Welfare & Bait ul Mall Punjab is engaged in facilitating the disabled persons and providing them a normal life.

He said it is fortunate that the department has full assistance of senior leadership of the province. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is paying attention to the problems of disabled persons and providing opportunity of education and employment along with facilities and aiding equipments on the pattern of developed welfare states.

He said that interest free loans are being provided to special persons for technical training and starting their own business. He said that all out assistance is being extended to them in getting admission in prestigious educational institutions besides they are provided affordable travelling facilities.

DG Social Welfare said that holding of such functions is to remove sense of deprivation among special persons. He said that by benefitting from presence of mediamen he wants to convey the message to civil society that it should bring special persons to normal life instead of considering them a burden.

Dr. Khalid Jameel said that special persons are not less than anyone is. He said the children taking part in the race have proved that there is no hurdle in their way and they can win the race like normal persons. He thanked Social Welfare Department for cooperation and held assurance of assistance in holding such function in future as well.

In the end, DG Social Welfare distributed cash prizes among winners and thanked Dr. Khalid Jameel for collaboration by Pakistan Para Olympics.