Pramila Joyce Pinto of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre at Pambur in Udupi district, who won a gold medal and a bronze medal in roller-skating event held at the 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games held at Athens in Greece from June 25 to July 4, was given a warm and rapturous welcome on her return to the district on Thursday.
Credit
Ms. Pinto told presspersons at Pambur in Udupi district that she was happy at her achievement at the Athens Special Olympics. “I want to achieve more in this field of roller-skating. I give the credit of achievement to my parents, my sister, and teachers at Manasa Centre.”
Her father Robert Pinto said he was thrilled at his daughter's achievement in Athens. “I had not expected such a spectacular performance from her. But we supported her in whatever she was interested in,” he said.
Her mother Philomena Pinto said: “I am very happy at Pramila's achievement. Special children have talent. It is necessary to encourage them,” she said.
Ms. Pramila Pinto comes from a poor family. Her father Robert Pinto, who earlier used to work in a tile factory, now works in a farm.
Felicitation
Ms. Pramila Pinto was welcomed at Katapady by Zilla Panchayat president K. Shankar Poojary. She was taken in an open vehicle from Katapady to Pambur. Schoolchildren welcomed and congratulated her en route at Katapady, Shankarpura, and Pambur villages.
People and heads of various organisations jostled with one another to garland her at various places on the route. A felicitation function was held at the Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre at Pambur.