The long flight after a delay of 45 minutes with heavy rains lashing the State did not deter the huge crowd gathered at the Dabolim airport.
The Jet Airways flight touched down with anxious parents and well wishers waiting patiently with flowers and sweets at the arrival gate.
In a matter of few hours, the crowd swelled to welcome the Goan heroes who had clinched six gold, three silver and 10 bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games at Los Angeles, in US.
Some airport officials even stopped and inquired with the Herald if there was a top personality arriving. On knowing that it was the Special Olympic team arriving, they supported the overwhelming crowd by accommodating the huge gathering at the arrival gate.
Some of the passengers and even taxi drivers joined in the welcome ceremony after they learnt that the Special Olympics team was arriving and some even commented on the absence of government officials and ministers.
The 18 Goan athletes, who were part of the 273 athletes representing the Special Olympics Bharat at the World Games in Los Angeles, opened their medal tally with Kushal Resham clinching the gold in 1000m roller skating rink race. He went on to bag another gold in the 2×100 male
