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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 6: Sarawakian para athlete Mohd Zul Adly Majeni is proving that intellectual disability is not a hindrance as he sets his sights on securing gold medals in three ten-pin bowling events for Malaysia at the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Berlin from June 20 to 24.
Mohd Zul is among three para athletes from Sarawak who will proudly represent Special Olympics (SO) Malaysia at the Games. The other two special athletes are Agnes Tiong, who will compete in table tennis, and Sheena Ung in swimming.
Mohd Zul will be competing in three ten-pin bowling events, including single, double unified and team. In the double unified category, he will be partnering with his coach Myron Kho, who also serves as a coach for para-Sukma and sports director to SO Sarawak.
“I am diligently preparing for the Games, which has boosted my confidence. My focus is on delivering numerous gold medals for Malaysia and representing the Sarawak team with pride.
“I will give my best effort. Although I feel a mix of nervousness and excitement, I am confident in my team. It’s not just about Sarawak; we are competing for our country. To achieve our best performance, we must maintain composure, remain humble, and stay focused during the preparation,” he said.
He highlighted this when approached by reporters after a press conference by Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah following a courtesy call from SO Sarawak led by Kuching Chapter president Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain at the ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building II, Petra Jaya here today.
Khoo emphasised that the team is tirelessly training to maximise their chances of securing as many gold medals as possible for the country.
Earlier on, Fatimah revealed that the Sarawak team would depart for Kuala Lumpur on June 9 and 10 (Sibu and Miri) before proceeding to Berlin on June 12, joining other Malaysian special athletes.
“SO Malaysia is targeting to bring home three gold, two silver and one bronze, with SO Sarawak aiming for one gold, one silver and one bronze.
“Having our special athletes participate in the international games provides them with invaluable opportunities for exposure, and empowerment through sports. We are extremely proud of them and we are honoured to have them represent SO Sarawak at the Games,” she said.
In 2022, Mohd Zul claimed gold medals in a State-level competition held in Sibu and a National-level competion in Melaka.
Tiong secured fourth place in the State competition and won one gold and two silver in Melaka, while Ung won one gold and one silver in the State game and earned two silver and one bronze in Melaka.
Deputy Minister for Community Wellbeing Development Mohamad Razi Sitam and ministry’s permanent secretary Noriah Ahmad were among those present. — DayakDaily
