The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh will start their campaign in the Special Olympics Summer World Games today morning as the swimmers take to the pool in the 50-meter freestyle heat

The event's final will be held on Friday (Oct 5).

Bangladesh Bocce team will also compete in the singles final today (Thursday), according to a message received here from Shanghai on Wednesday.

Bangladeshi swimmers will also participate in the 50-meter breaststroke heat on October 8. The event's final will be held on October 9.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh swimming team made their practices on Wednesday at the Shanghai Pudong Nanatorium, a venue of the Special Olympics 2007.

The swimming team, comprising Nurunnahar, Laily Akther, Mohammad Masud and Al Mahmud Bin Dipu, will take part in 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter breaststroke, out of 6 swimming events.

Bangladesh coach Golam Mostafa and assistant coach Laboni Sharmin were present at the practice session of the swimmers. Athina, head of volunteers and a student of Shanghai University, assigned for the Bangladesh team was present

Bangladeshi swimmers also watched the practices of other teams.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Special Olympics Summer World Games (OSWG) began at the Shanghai Stadium of Chinese commercial capital amid much enthusiasm.

Chinese President Hu Jintao inaugurated the 10-day Special Olympics through a gala opening ceremony at Shanghai Stadium before its capacity crowd of 80,000.

A record number of 7,291 mentally disabled athletes from 164 countries, including Bangladesh, are taking part in 21 competitive sports and four demonstration events on Oct 2-11.

A 67-member Bangladesh contingent are taking part in seven disciplines of sports -- Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Bocce, Football, Table Tennis and Cricket