Fifteen-year-old Mohammed Fardeen was refining his dribbling skills with the football, under the watchful eyes of his trainer and physical education teacher, Narayan Sherrigar, on the school grounds on Friday.
The student from St. Agnes Special School here is preparing to leave for Los Angeles, U.S., on Tuesday for the Special Olympics. Fardeen, who has a learning disability, is the only player from Karnataka to be part of the national team that will be taking part in the game from July 28.
It’s a dream come true for young Fardeen. “I have been playing the game for the last six years, ever since I joined here. I’m glad to be part of the national team,” he said. Mr. Sherrigar sees much potential and energy in the boy. Fardeen will be the first one in his family to go abroad. “We are a bit worried, but I am glad my son has made it to the national team,” said Fardeen’s father, C.A. Farooq, an electrical contractor from Morgan’s Gate here. He has been arranging finances for the U.S. trip, which works out to about Rs. 5 lakh.
As for the school, Fardeen has joined a long list of athletes who have participated in the Special Olympics. Principal Maria Shruti said her students have taken part in various sports disciplines in the last three editions of the Special Olympics.
Finances
On Friday, the State Bank of India presented Fardeen with a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh towards expenses for the trip. SBI’s Chief General Manager (Karnataka Circle) Rajani Mishra called Fardeen on the phone from Bengaluru and wished him good luck. Ms. Mishra said the bank was ready to provide financial assistance to needy persons.
The cheque was presented to Fardeen by SBI Regional Manager Khadri Gundu Rao. Fardeen was also presented with the bank’s Vishwa Yatra Card.
