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You probably don't have to be a cricket fan to know that Sachin Tendulkar is a sporting superstar.

Nicknamed the "Little Master" - Tendulkar is currently the leading Test and one day run-scorer and holds the record for most hundreds in both tests and one-day internationals.

He is an icon, a hero, a god for many people and a very nice chap.Ìý

Despite being in huge demand all the time all over the world, he found the time - remarkably - to send a very special personal message to all those taking part in the Special Olympics in Leicester.

"I am so happy to convey my best wishes to all the participants and supporters of the Special Olympics held in Leicester.

"Being a sports man myself, I full understand how much work you've put in to prepare yourself for this great event.

"I truly admire your courage, your sprit, your passion and your determination for sport. You have set great examples for us all to follow.

"I am very happy to know that cricket is part of this event and I look forward to have this event, in the near future, held in India – see you there.

"Good luck!"

Listen: Ex-Eastenders Star

Dalip Tahil, former Eastenders and Bollywood actor who is, himself, a VIP ambassador for the Special Olympics was the man whoÌýmanaged to get the special message from the King of Cricket.

He told ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Leicester's Amy Francis about how he and Steve Humphries, Games Director for the Special Olympics, set about recording Sachin Tendulkar's special message...

"It was amazing!

"Steve mentioned to me that since Cricket has been introduced in the Special Olympics, it would be marvellous if we could get a message, or in fact have, Sachin Tendulkar, the great cricketing icon from India to actually come to the special games, or perhaps give a message.

"We wrote to Sachin... He was here on Holiday. One Thursday I get a phone call to say that Sachin has agreed to do it. He's agreed to record a video message for the Special Olympics.

"But we have an half an hour window on the Friday morning.

"Sachin came down absolutely spot on time, 11:30am, and knocked it off in half an hour. I was completely overwhelmed.

"Everything fell into place once I said that it was for the Special Olympics."

Lee Penfold and the team at Leicester Hi

For The Children

Dalip was in no doubt that Sachin got involved due the accomplishment of the children involved.

"I think he was just absolutely moved by the kind of achievement that these children have made.

"I don't think that he would have ever done it for anything else, but the Special Olympics.

"He came out of his busy schedule and give us that half an hour only because it was for the Special Olympics and no other reason."

Dalip involvement in the Special Olympics began when he was given the honour of becoming the Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

"For that I am very grateful to the then Lord Mayor Manjula Sood. I am hugely privileged to be part of it."

Steve believes that the message from Sachin will give the competitors a fantastic lift.

"It's a great boost for the athletes.

"Sachin has said it all really about this fantastic opportunity for the athletes to display their immense talents on this showcase event."