Honoured for courage

More than any of their achievements, Wednesday night's reception accorded to the athletes of Bangladesh Special Olympics team and their parents was recognition of their courage and sporting spirit.
Forty-seven special and exceptional athletes, representing more than 10 million mentally disabled men and women in Bangladesh, stood out among the 500 or so guests with their individual plaques and a smile on their face that lit up the ball-room.
Mobile phone operator Grameenphone, sponsors of the team during their successful participation at this year's World Games held in Shanghai, hosted the function at a local hotel.
The athletes returned home last month with 32 gold, 15 silver and 24 bronze medals and a reputation that they were worthy participants.
Apart from their parents and teachers, leading lights in sports and culture were present during the ocassion.
Former cricket captains Roquibul Hassan, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu and Habibul Bashar and former footballer Kaiser Hamid sat with the athletes, in a unique piece of organisation by the hosts. The athletes and their families took pictures and shared stories of their wonderful time in Shanghai with the country's legendary figures.
Grameenphone CEO Anders Jensen, in his welcome address, congratulated the Special Olympics team and expressed pride at their association with the athletes.
“These courageous athletes set an example for each one of us. They show us how to defy hurdles and how to make impossible an obsolete word,” said Jensen.
“”Their determination and resilience would serve as an inspiration for Bangladesh in years to come,” said the Swedish CEO of the country's largest mobile phone operator.
Professor Kabir Chowdhury, who also presented awards, said that these children were not only special, but also exceptional.
He concluded his short speech saying, “They have lit the fire.”