By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 21: Sarawak participant Awangku Mohd Zakaria Awangku Noor Iskandar will represent the State at the 11th International Abilympics in Finland, with support from the Sarawak government and the Sarawak OKU Skills Development Association (SOSDA).
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the ministry is committed to identifying and developing the talents of persons with disabilities (PWDs), while creating opportunities for them to succeed on the international stage.
She said these efforts extended beyond sports to include vocational skills development and creative fields, with the aim of helping PWDs lead more independent lives.
“We want to ensure that our PWDs can secure jobs in line with their potential and qualifications, and ultimately be able to stand on their own feet,” she said at a press conference following the handover of a grant from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) to SOSDA to support training of PWDs and preparations for the Abilympics.
“It’s about giving them opportunities. Once we give them opportunities, we can see their potential.”
SOSDA received a RM30,000 grant under the 2026 Sarawak State Welfare Voluntary Organisations Grant to support its skills development programmes for PWDs.
Participants are undergoing training in four categories including floral arrangement, poster design, reflexology and photography, with support from specialised training providers.
Fatimah said the ministry hoped to identify and develop more talents among PWDs in other fields, including handicrafts and painting, rather than limiting opportunities to the four competition categories.
She also commended SOSDA’s efforts to match members with employment opportunities suited to their qualifications, education and skills.
Meanwhile, SOSDA president Dunstan Lim said the Abilympics, also known as the Abilities Olympics, provides an international platform for PWDs to showcase their skills.
He explained that the competition focuses on participants’ abilities and skills rather than the nature of their disabilities, allowing PWDs from different backgrounds to compete on an international platform.
“Regardless of whether they win or lose, they will acquire these skills and be able to generate their own income.
“What is important is that, ultimately, they will also be able to live independently,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dunstan said he hoped Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, could one day host the international Abilympics.
“I believe it would be a good opportunity, not only for tourism, but also to showcase Sarawak’s commitment to building an inclusive society,” he said. – DayakDaily
