Chennai: Devi from Madurai, who at 12 years is the youngest participant in the contingent representing Tamil Nadu at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, has bagged 2 silver medals in Rollerskating (in 1000 and 300 metres categories). Devi is a mentally challenged girl who has been working hard for this moment of glory since the age of nine.
In the previous edition of the ‘Special Olympics World Games’ in 2011, athletes from TN had managed to bag only 11 medals. However, this time things have turned rosier as the latest tally shows 12 athletes from TN have managed to bag 14 medals (gold, silver and bronze) already.
It was indeed a proud moment for Tamil Nadu as Chandrasekar Santhanam secured two gold medals in Rollerskating (1000 & 300M) and also bagged a silver in 500m. The other gold medallist from Tamil Nadu is Platini Maran, who secured his medal in athletics (100 metres)
The 19-year-old Salman Kabir from Chennai, who suffers from ATHD (Attention Deficiency & Hyper active disorder) bagged his first bronze medal in cycling (2km). He expressed his happiness saying, “I previously participated in the Asia-Pacific games held in Australia but there I missed the medal by a whisker and came fourth. I was extremely distraught. But this time I have turned things around and am extremely happy and proud for my country.”
Paul Devasagayam, the area director, Special Olympics Bharat Tamil Nadu, who is presently with the contingent in LA added, “ I am happy that all the hard work put in for the past four years is finally paying off. These athletes are making the state of Tamil Nadu extremely proud.”
