Mumbai girl gets lucky with ‘exclusive’ invite from Barack Obama

Mumbai: This Mumbai girl is all smiles. Not only is she flying to US, but also meeting the most sought-after leader, US President Barack Obama – on a special invite.

Next week, President Obama and his wife Michelle are holding an exclusive dinner at the White House for 12 specially-abled people from around the world, including 23-year-old Neha P Naik.

Neha is an athlete from suburban Goregaon in Mumbai and is a Special Olympics International Global Messenger. She has also participated in 100 metres and shot-put events.

Ecstatic over the honour, she said that the invite was the best gift she could ever get as she turns 24 today.

Neha would be accompanied by her teacher Jonita Rodrigues, who has worked very closely with her over the years.

She was born a normal child, however a severe fever at the age of 5 affected her health considerably.

"I plan to inform him about the special needs of special children all over the world. How they need more educational institutions, hostels and then suitable jobs to make them truly independent in society," Neha said.

The White House dinner - for which she flies early Tuesday - has been organised by the Special Olympics.

Neha also trains young athletes in India and pushes them to look beyond their physical inabilities.