Padubelle: Manasa students shine at Special Olympics

Report and Pictures by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Padubelle, 18 March 2010: Students of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor (Padubelle) have performed extremely well in Special Olympics that were held at different venues during the present academic year (2009-10).

Sandeep Fernandes from Pre-Vocational B Section participated in the National Level Basketball Tournament from 8th to 13th June 2009, at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Pondicherry. As his team stood first in the tournament, Sandeep was awarded the Gold Medal.

In the Roller Skating Coaching Camp organised at Hyderabad from 14th to 19th September 2009, Pramila Pinto of Manasa won the Gold Medal and was selected to participate in the International Roller Skating tournament in the next year. Another student of the institution, Meenakshi won Silver and Bronze Medals in the same event at the camp.

At the District Level Special Olympics for Special Smiles organised by the Udupi District Association for Special Educators and Supportive Staff in collaboration with other Associations like International Association of Lions Clubs – District 324- D4 at K.M.C. Sports Stadium, Manipal on 3rd November 2009, 44 students and 10 staff members of Manasa participated. Out of these, 32 of the students bagged Gold Medals and 22 Silver Medals and 18 Bronze Medals. The Manasa Institution also secured second place in the Marchpast.

On 8th November 2009, Sandeep Fernandes went to Mumbai to participate in the National Championship and selection camp in Handball. He secured 3rd place and was selected as a member of the National team.

On 14th November 2009, Greshma, Prathiba Moily and Richard Menezes attended National Championship and Selection Camp in Power Lifting at Bhopal (M.P.) from 16th to 22nd November 2009. Prathiba Moily bagged the Gold Medal in this tournament.

Romal and Sunitha attended the Athletic Championship at Bangalore on 6th and 7th January 2010 and also at Anantapur from 8th to 13th January 2010. Romal secured the Gold Medal in 200 Meters Run and fifth place in the Relay Race. Sunitha Lobo bagged the Gold Medal in Relay Race, Silver Medal in 100 Meters Run and Bronze Medal in Shot Put.

This phenomenal success of the students of the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre in the Special Olympics in different tournaments at different places, while instilling a sense of self confidence and happiness has made the Manasa proud of their achievements.