Aga Khan Golden Jubliee Celebrations

CHITRAL, 06 August 2007 - As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of His Highness the Aga Khan, various events are being organized to cater to the welfare needs of the less-privileged and deprived segments of society. The Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Pakistan (AKSWBP) organised the first Golden Jubilee Special People�s Sports Festival here today. This Sports Festival is one such event from a series of events being organized by AKSWBP all over Pakistan including regions of Northern Areas, Punjab, and Sindh.

The Sports extravaganza was a lively event for the special individuals, their families, and the communities of the respective regions where people with special needs and disabilities were given an opportunity to exhibit their talent and sportsmanship. The event also aimed at creating awareness regarding the unique needs and rights of special people in our society. The event provided the individuals with an opportunity to increase their involvement in physical fitness activities, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and the community.

The colourful event saw more than 100 Special Individuals participating in interesting games such as 50 and 100 metre race, obstacle race, relay race, tug of war and many others. The event started with lighting of the torch and saw a huge  procession of  more Prize distribution than 200 people march to the Ground at Garamchashma to witness an indelible event. The games were then formally declared open by the Chief Guest for the event Mr Amir Afzal � President of the Ismaili Council for Upper Chitral. The Chairman of AKSWB Committee for Chitral formally welcomed the guests and highlighted the aims, objectives, and future programmes of the Board with regard to the Special Individuals.

This event was organised as part of the Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Pakistan - Portfolio for Individuals with Special Needs and Disabilities Golden Jubilee programmes designed for Special Individuals all over Pakistan. Many of the Special Individuals registered with the Board actively engage in non-academic activities such as Sports and with intensive training and coaching have made a mark for themselves in many sport events. They are registered with the Special Olympics Pakistan and have participated in various City, National, and International level Events. Many have become home winners after participating in such events

The Board�s portfolio for Individuals with Special Needs and Disabilities helps improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, intellectual, emotional and social deficiencies. It is the Board�s belief that all individuals have the right and ability to learn and achieve Paragliding Demonstration self-fulfillment. And that with appropriate opportunities coupled with care and support, Special Individuals can improve their self-esteem and play a more productive role in society. In a span of few years, the Board has reached out to many Special Individuals and their families and continues its endeavors to address the needs of the un-reached segments of the society.

 Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Pakistan is affiliated with Aga Khan Development Network and its mission is to identity needs of those segments that require special attention and to help them in achieving the economic and social well-being by providing them the means and / or motivation to do the same. It is currently serving in the areas of poverty alleviation, women development, special people, senior citizens, marriage counseling and substance abuse. 

The Aga Khan Development Network�s (AKDN) activities in Pakistan encompass cultural, economic and social development and include microfinance, agricultural programmes, health, and education, the introduction of clean-water supplies and sanitation facilities, construction of mini hydro-electric plants, the improvement of public open spaces, community-driven village rehabilitation and house renovation. The Network is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities in selected regions of the developing world. Its agencies and institutions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of origin, gender or religion. (Report by Zahiruddin, Photos by GH Farooqi)

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