KUCHING, Feb 13: Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah hopes Special Olympics events will be organised throughout all regions in Sarawak to provide opportunities for special needs individuals to participate in sports activities.
She said the participation of special needs people in games and sports inspires others to open their hearts to a wider world of human talent and potential.
She also pointed out that given opportunities to develop their talents and potentially boost their self-esteem, special need individuals can become useful members of and make contributions to society.
“At the same time, it allows the rest of society to see what special needs people are capable of. 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 potential and be given the opportunity to compete with other athletes,” said Fatimah, whose speech text was read out by her Assistant Minister (Community Welfare) Mohammad Razi Sitam who was representing her at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics Empowerment Workshop at a hotel here today.
Fatimah added that participating in sports and games will give special needs individuals opportunities to explore new experiences and prepare themselves for bigger sports events like the Paralympic Games, Borneo Cup, and other State-level as well as international-level events.
“It is inclusiveness at its best as the participants also get the opportunities to travel and experience different cultures like any other athlete,” she said. — DayakDaily
