A warm send off function was organized here today for the special athletes, their coaches and officials going to participate in the World Winter Games to be held from 14th - 25th March 2017 in Austria. Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar were present on the occasion. In his speech, Shri Vijay Goel said his ministry is providing financial assistance to “Special Olympics Bharat” for organizing national championship, coaching and training. He said for participation in upcoming World Winter Games, the government has incurred an expenditure of about Rs 1.5 crore to the contingent consisting of 90 athletes, 23 coaches and 3 officials. Wishing best wishes to the contingent, Shri Goel said that these athletes have proved that by devotion and determination a person can achieve anything during his life. He expressed the hope that many of these special athletes will become a sporting star and bring glory to the nation. Shri Goel said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has desired that no citizen should be deprived from the opportunity to play and feel happy. All sections of the society should enjoy pleasure of participating in any sports activities of their choice to feel happy and healthy. The minister said Special Olympics Bharat is working in the right direction by promoting special athletes in Indian and International competitions.