SIBU, Oct 26: Special Olympics Sarawak will implement several programmes for its athletes once the Covid-19 situation improves.
Its secretary, Chew Siok Cheng, disclosed today that the proposed programmes include the recruitment of more female athletes to play sports.
“We are also planning to introduce Athletes Programme (YAP), a sports-play programme designed to introduce children ages 2 to 7 to physical activity prior to and regardless of Special Olympics eligibility at age 8,” she added.
Chew revealed the 7th Special Olympics State Games which was scheduled to be held in Sibu in August this year was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In view of the safety of the athletes, all the Special Olympics Sarawak chapters are not running any activities currently,” she added.
Special Olympics is an international sports organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competitions.
In Sarawak, Chew revealed, the Special Olympics initiative started in 1998 and is currently available in Kuching, Miri and Sibu.
There are plans to expan Special Olympics to all regions in the state.
A major event in the Special Olympics Sarawak calendar is the biennial state games where few hundreds of local athletes get to meet, compete and inspire people in community to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
“Special Olympics Sarawak wishes to thank all our supporters, volunteers and donors for their unconditional support towards the development of Special Olympics in Sarawak and we look forward to their continued support in the near future,” Chew added. — DayakDaily
