Udupi: The management, staff and students of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre for special children, Pamboor felicitated Wilma Pereira who will be participating in the World Special Olympics to be held in United States of America.
Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Spiritual Director of Catholic Sabha, in his address said that Wilma’s sheer dedication and will to participate in the Special Olympics has made Manasa proud. “She is an example for the students who aim to scale greater heights,” he said.
Elroy Kiran Crasto, Treasurer of Manasa Trust, said that the potential in Wilma has been recognized and she has made our state proud. He further said, “The government should reach out to athletes and sports persons participating in the Special Olympics and should extend them the opportunity to participate in Paralympic games.”
Rajani Hegde, President of Moodubelle Gram Panchayat, felicitated Wilma along with Henry Menezes, the President of Manasa Trust. A kit was provided to Wilma by Manasa Trust.
William Machado, president Catholic Sabha Udupi, also spoke on the occasion. Sr Thelma Lewis, Principal of Manasa welcomed the gathering. Sr Vasanthi, the Hostel Warden, delivered the vote of thanks. Prema compered the programme.
Wilma Pereira, an inmate of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre from 3 years is the only girl from Karnataka to represent the Indian team in Special Olympics (Handball) in the United States of America, which is scheduled from July 21 to August 5. She will be leaving to USA from Chennai with other members of the Indian team. She has received training in Handball in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Chennai. She is the proud daughter of Lawrence and Jacintha Pereira residing in Mangaluru and the second child among their 5 children.
Remedia D’Souza, former Zilla Parishad President; Joseph Noronha, administrator of the school and others were present.
