A five-day winter games event, part of a preparatory camp for world winter games to be held in Austria next year, commenced at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district here today.
Participants from within the state and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh are taking part in the games which will last till May 4, an official spokesman said.
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh inaugurated the event which is being organized by Special Olympics Bharat.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that such sports events are being held in the state which provides platform to local youth to exhibit their talent," Singh said and assured that the PDP-BJP government is committed to provide requisite infrastructure to boost sports activities in the State.
He said Kashmir has a huge potential for holding such events and stressed for harnessing the potential for making Gulmarg as world's best winter sports destination.
Sports activities develop sportsmanship which helps in bridging gaps, he said and urged upon the out station participants of Himachal Pradesh to be ambassadors of peace and goodwill and take the message that people in Kashmir are tolerant and believe in brotherhood, harmony and inclusiveness.
