DUSHANBE, January 27, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Two athletes will resent Tajikistan in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games that will be held in the city of Boise, Idaho, USA from February 3 through February 13, 2009, the National Director of the Special Olympics Tajikistan, Ms. Dilbar Sharipova said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to her, two skiers from Takob, Varzob district Rustam Mahmoudov and Firdavs Murodov will participate in the alpine skiing competition.

Ms. Sharipova noted that they had failed to find sponsors for the athletes.  “Our athletes even do not have proper equipment and skis,” she said, adding that funds provided for by the project had been enough to purchase just air tickets.

Special Olympics is an international organization created to help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment. Among their other activities, Special Olympics conducts the Special Olympics World Games every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games.

The Flame of Hope for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games was lit in Athens, Greece, formally launching the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run (GLETR).  In keeping with Olympic tradition, the torch was lit by the sun’s rays before embarking on a three month journey around the world to Idaho, USA, the site of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.