LAHORE – Etihad Airways will be the exclusive official carrier of the Pakistan Special Olympics team for the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011, being held this year in Athens, Greece.
Over 7,500 Special Olympics athletes, hailing from 185 nations, will compete in 22 Olympic sporting events from June 25 to July 9 at this year’s games. Comprising more than 89 members from across Pakistan, the Pakistan Special Olympics team will be traveling from Lahore and Islamabad to Greece with Etihad Airways. Amer Khan, Country Manger Pakistan for Etihad Airways, said: “We are proud to be associated with Pakistan Special Team. This year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games provides us with the opportunity to support both a fantastic cause, and the many talented individuals representing Pakistan. We wish the team the best of luck in the games.” Saeed Ahmad, Chairman of the Special Olympics in Pakistan, said: “I express my gratitude to Etihad Airways for its support of the Pakistan Special Olympics team. The airline has shown its commitment and support to many different sections of Pakistani society through this sponsorship.” The Special Olympics program and the first ever Special Olympics in Pakistan were initiated in the city of Karachi in 1989 by a group of humanitarian individuals who brought together children and adults with special needs to provide them with activities and a chance to compete in sport.
