Young disabled Catholic wins gold at World Winter Games in S. Korea

(Feb. 20, 2013) A Nepali man raised in Kathmandu’s Catholic facility for mentally disabled children won a gold medal at 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, between 26 January and 5 February. 26-year-old Amit Yogi, took the top post in the snowshoeing competition, beating athletes from seven nations. Some 2,300 athletes and staff took part in the sporting event in Pyeongchang, which is set to host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Amit's trainer, Ganesh Parajuli, a Catholic, said he chose the young athlete because of his confidence and strength more than his athletic skills.
Organisers complimented the Catholic facility for the quality of its teaching and care, which enabled the young disabled man to believe in himself and overcome psychological and emotional obstacles. "I knew I was going to win and that's what happened," Nepal's gold winner said after returning home. "All the credit goes to my trainer and to Sister Suma who helped me find meaning in my life." After his victory, Amit wants to train his friends and take part in the next Games as an assistant coach.