AFTER bearing 56 medals it was time to celebrate the success of Pakistani athletes who attended the Special Olympics World Games 2011 in Athens.

The Pakistan squad comes bearing 56 medals as they return to the country today.

Pakistan bagged 17 gold medals, 25 silver and 14 bronze medals while competing in a week-long event that featured 7,500 athletes from 180 countries around the world.

The 82-member contingent participated in eight sports including athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce, cycling, football and table tennis.

According to the delegation head Ronak Lakhani, while it was important that the country managed to secure 56 medals, however, the Special Olympics of Pakistan’s aim was to encourage all athletes and ensure that every member of the squad was treated like a winner.

During 10 days of competition around 7500 athletes participated from 180 countries in Athens.