To celebrate the outstanding achievements of India’s Special Olympics athletes, Herbalife, a global nutrition company, held a rousing homecoming reception for 89Special Olympics athletes. Returning home with a haul of37gold medals; 10silver medals and 26 bronze medals, participating athletes were recognised for their excellent display of strength, grit and courage in 8 events at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 held in Austria.
Commenting on the event, Mr. Ajay Khanna, Vice President & Country Head – Herbalife International India said, “We are very proud to see the magnificent performances by our Special Olympics athletes at the World Winter Games 2017 in Austria. As a nutrition partner for the Special Olympics, we are heartened to see how our nutrition expertise have played a role in pushing the limits of the Special Olympics team, propelling them to scale new heights at international competitions. We look forward to taking our partnership with Special Olympics Bharat to a whole new level, and to continuing our work in helping athletes discover their strengths, skills and successes.”
Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor, CEO – Special Olympics Bharat, said, “Special Olympics and Herbalife share a common vision of giving equal chances to people with intellectual disabilities, especially athletes, to become productive citizens. Inclusion is what we aim to achieve and I am confident this partnership between Special Olympics and Herbalife will help in achieving this”.
MC Mary Kom, five-time World Amateur Boxing Champion and Olympic boxer,Heena Sidhu, India’s first Air Pistol Shooter – were also present at the event and Saina Nehwal, India’s star badminton player – all Herbalife sponsored athletes were also present on the occasion.
Commenting on the initiative, MC Mary Komsaid, “The Special Olympics athletes havetremendous potential that has yet to be fully realised. Through consistent training, conditioning and with the aid of positive nutrition guidance, I am glad to see that more support are being given to them through Herbalife to help them harness their potential and empower them to achieve new goals for the nation.”
“Special Olympics has been gaining visibility and momentum over the years. What these athletes need more of right now is the encouragement, support and recognition by the public. With a partner like Herbalife, I can see things getting better, and I wish them success in their future endeavours”, added Heena Sidhu. “Olympics is the dream of an athlete. And a medal in the Olympics is the crowning glory moment for the athlete. These special athletes have made the nation proud. I am happy to see Herbalife, as always, coming forward for the development of sports and athletes”, said Saina Nehwal. Herbalife recently conducted a training session on Performance Nutrition, Training & Psychologyfor 30 coaches with the aim ofequippingthem with knowledge and tips on psychology and nutrition, to help athletes train and perform better in their respective fields. The session was helmed by renowned Sports Scientist and EQ Consultant, ShayamalVallabhjee.
Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people's lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Independent Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to fighting the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity by offering high-quality products, one-on- one coaching with an Herbalife Member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life.
Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation accredited by Special Olympics Inc to conduct its sports Programs all over India. It organizes Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities with over a million athletes registered in the program currently. Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports every day around the world.
Special Olympics Bharat was registered with the Indian Trusts Act 1882 in 2001 and recognized by the Government of India as a National Sports Federation 2006 in the Priority Category for the development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. It has been designated as the Nodal Agency in 2010 by the Government for conduct of sports for all disabilities on account of its national presence, outreach and experience. Special Olympics Bharat works across all States and Union Territories in India covering 679 districts.
Special Olympics Bharat organizes sports training and competitions at various levels- local, district, state, national and international. Based on abilities and performance, athletes cross each level to participate at higher consecutive levels. While sports remains the mainstay of the Special Olympics Program the capacity of the athletes are constantly developed through regular trainings and additional initiatives that help strengthen the athletes- mentally , physically and emotionally.
-By Odishaage
