KARACHI: Diagnosed with Down syndrome at the age of five, Asim is the prized swimmer in a team heading to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, the US, with a dream to bring home medals just like he did in the year 2007 by winning two silver medals in the Special Olympics World Games, it emerged on Friday.

But it was not all that easy for the child with special needs. Though his features were such that allowed his disorder to go unnoticed by many, he had to come a long way in recognizing himself as an integral part of this society. He is blessed with a supportive family that provided him the opportunities most do not have access to. “We had to deal with a lot of stigma and discrimination from family members who were not at all supportive,” said Tehmina Azim, Asim’s mother, while speaking to Dawn about his early years after he was tested and diagnosed.

“But now that Asim is an independent individual with a proper paying job and a bright sports career, the same people openly support him,” she said.

Asim found his calling in the swimming pool where he broke records in practice sessions against cadets who were themselves in top form. In 2007, he took part in the Special Olympics World Games in China where he won two silver medals. But the most marked change was in Asim’s personal life.

“Asim has been working for the past three years in the packaging department of a factory in Shershah. Initially, the workers were uncomfortable with him, and a few other special children working at the factory. But when all the mothers went to talk to the workers, they understood the needs of these children and now have accepted them as their own,” said Mrs Tehmina.Fourteen-year-old Khadija has a similar story. Hailing from Akhtar Colony, where she lives with her mother, and her aunt and cousins.

“Through the power of sports, we provide a medium to help integrate the intellectually disabled into society, as well as training them to be healthier and more socially conscious. Some parents are so poor and are unable to understand the needs of their child. But after they join SOP they are changed personalities,” said Ronak Lakhani, chair of the Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) which is one of the several organisations in the country that aim to transform the lives of children with special needs.

Khadija has an IQ below 70 and her family has had to grapple with her short temper and irrational behaviour. These can be attributed to her inability to direct her energies in a more conducive manner.

“One day she discovered cycling,” revealed her mother, “after managing to steal a neighbour’s bike.” And there was no turning back for her. In 2014, Khadija participated in the National Games where she won three medals. She is now headed to the Special Olympics World Games, which will begin on July 25, with her distinctly red-coloured bike that according to Khadija her father “bought especially for me”.

Ever since Khadija became a part of the SOL, she has gained confidence and has improved her temper. She has started bonding with her cousin at home too, as cycling is not the only thing that keeps her occupied. “I like bangles and will be wearing a green coloured clothes on Eid,” she excitedly shared with Dawn.

The Healthy Athletes Programme is a prized addition to the SOP. Doctors are trained internationally and on their return to Pakistan they train other doctors who regularly check the over 7,000 athletes for eye, nose and throat related issues. Their behaviours are analysed and any issues that crop up prior to or during their training are dealt with in a positive manner. These training sessions encompass much more than just honing athletic abilities; in fact each child is taught how to eat, clean up after himself, make his bed and to socially interact with others, be it at international sporting events or in day to day situations with family or friends.

Tauseef, another gem in SOL’s cycling team, is proud to be representing Pakistan in LA. “Every time I get on my bike, all I want is to perform to the best of my abilities and make my family and my country proud,” he said. Tauseef is 18 and though very close to his family, has, with the help of the SOP, learnt to fend for himself amid trying times.

According to his younger brother Asad, he was very dependent on his family and not able to adapt himself to social situations well. “Now he is excited to be heading to LA for 15 days,” he added.

While young, Tauseef developed eye problems due to his stunted growth, but that did not deter him from holding witty and entertaining conversations with strangers. “There was a time that I was very shy and self conscious. But now I enjoy speaking to people and sharing my story. I can even travel alone in the bus without a companion,” he proudly announced.

Tauseef, Khadija and Asim, and many other special children, seem to have come a long way in recognising themselves as an integral part of society and are finding their place in life. It, however, remains to be seen how accepting the rest of society is towards such intellectually challenged individuals.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play