Islamabad, Feb 28: Bank Alfalah reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and sports by hosting a special ceremony to extend its best wishes to Pakistan’s athletes ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy. Partnering with Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP), the bank has played a pivotal role in supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities, providing them with the resources and training necessary to compete on the global stage.
Through a PKR 9 million training program over two years, Bank Alfalah has directly benefited 500 athletes, helping them refine their skills and prepare for international competitions. As a result, 10 outstanding athletes have successfully qualified to represent Pakistan in Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing at the upcoming Winter Games. This initiative aligns with the bank’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive society where individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive through sports.
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Special Olympics Pakistan has been instrumental in creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, offering year-round training in Olympic-type sports. With a network of over 35,000 registered athletes, 4,260 coaches, and 6,000 volunteers, SOP has significantly contributed to the empowerment of individuals through sports, health, and education programs. The partnership with Bank Alfalah has further strengthened these efforts, engaging more than 500 athletes in sports activities, establishing live-in training camps, and developing a team of 50 coaches and technical staff.
Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah, emphasized the transformative power of sports in fostering inclusivity and national pride. He expressed the bank’s commitment to providing young talent with the platform to excel, stating that supporting Special Olympics Pakistan aligns with the organization’s long-standing tradition of investing in the country’s sporting potential. He wished the athletes success, acknowledging their dedication and the inspiration they bring to others.
Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan, lauded the collaboration as a groundbreaking step in empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities. She expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to make Pakistan proud on the global stage, reinforcing the importance of breaking barriers and redefining inclusion in sports.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, scheduled from March 8 to March 15, will bring together over 500 athletes from 102 countries, competing in eight disciplines. With the theme “The Future is Here,” the event aims to highlight the abilities and achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities while promoting unity through sports.
