The Hindu : Sport : Special cricket World Cup

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 18, 2005

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Special cricket World Cup

Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI: The inaugural Special Olympics World Cup for cricket will be held in Mumbai from November 6 to 10, 2006.

India was chosen as the venue after Special Olympics Asia-Pacific on Thursday appointed Kapil Dev as its global goodwill ambassador for cricket.

Twelve countries including the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, England, Afghanistan and Australia will participate in the cricket World Cup for the people with intellectual disability.

Olympic silver medallist shooter Lt. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also lent his name for the cause, joining Special Olympics Asia Pacific as its brand ambassador.

"These athletes are truly special in every way. Their zeal, dedication and enthusiasm for life is astounding,'' said Rathore.

The best way to make them feel wanted is to give them opportunity to do what other children can do,'' he added.

That opportunity comes at the Special Olympics National Games in the capital here from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2.

The event will be held at the Nehru Stadium where a total of 1,200 participants from 25 States will compete in more than 17 categories.

The National Games will begin with the arrival of Special Olympics Bharat Flame of Hope at the stadium.

The torch started its journey from Kolkata on July 27 and after travelling over 20,000 km through 13 major cities ends its run in Delhi.

The performance of athletes here will be considered to put together Indian team for the Special Olympics 2007 World Games in Shanghai, China.

At the 2003 games in Dublin, India won 110 medals, 34 gold, 36 silver and 40 bronze medals.

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