Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar runs for a 'special' cause in New Delhi
21 Dec 2008, 1649 Hrs

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New Delhi, Dec 21 Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar took part in a special torch run organised here today for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

The Special Olympics is aimed at empowering specially-abled individuals to take active part in sports training and competition.

Ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games scheduled to be held in Boise, Idaho, USA from February 2 to February 13, 2009, a Global Law Enforcement Torch Run is being organised in all the host cities.

Akshay, who led the Indian leg of the torch run flagged off by New Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Diksit, said that there is a need to encourage the specially-abled individuals to be a part of the mainstream society.

"There are 30 million children who are special. We are waiting for one million athletes to come in. Please, come forward and encourage them. They have the right to lead a normal life like you and me," said Kumar.

Akshay, the brand ambassador of Special Olympics, is now all set to take the torch to Shanghai in China after going through the streets of New Delhi's 'Chandni Chowk' area.

When asked whether he had any security concerns taking part in such a public relay after the Mumbai attacks, Akshay said that militancy should not be allowed to overshadow other aspects of life and that Mumbai is still a safe city despite the recent attacks that killed at least 179.

"Whatever happened in Mumbai, despite all that, all of us got back to work. I myself went back to work the very next day. We don't have to give importance to these terrorist," said Akshay.

Akshay who was chosen as the brand ambassador for Special Olympics in 2005 urged the people that militancy and acts of terror attacks should not be allowed to assume any importance.

The 2009 Special Olympics will host almost 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 100 countries. The six-day event will see the athletes competing in seven winter sport events. (ANI)

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