KUCHING: The participation of people with disabilities (PwD) in games and sports inspires others to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said sports give the opportunities to the PwDs to develop their talents and potential which would boost their self-esteem and make them useful members of society.
“At the same time it allows the rest of society to see what the special needs people can do. In other words, we do not see their disabilities but find ways and means to develop their abilities and potential in doing what they can do well.
“Our special needs people who have talents and interest in sports can develop their potentials and be given the opportunity to compete with other athletes,” she said in a text of speech read by Assistant Minister, Mohammad Razi Sitam during the closing ceremony of Special Olympic Empowerment Workshop at a hotel here, yesterday.
She added that participating in games would give the special needs individuals an opportunity to explore new experiences and prepare themselves for bigger sports events like Paralympic Games, Borneo Cup, state and international games.
“It is inclusiveness at its best as the participants also get the opportunities to travel and experience different cultures like any other athletes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fatimah said the year 2022 seems to be promising with planning on the way for state games to be held in June in Sibu.
“One of the major events of Special Olympics Sarawak is the biennial state games where several hundred athletes get to meet and compete,” she said.
