Procter & Gamble Malaysia (P&G) and Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) recently held a media workshop entitled “The Power of Sports” in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
The workshop was aimed at educating Malaysians about the important role of sports in the life of children with intellectual challenges.
Nagoor Meera Abdullah, a sports science educator with more than 15 years of experience in coaching athletes of various disabilities, talked about the science behind getting special children into sports.
He shared, “Children with special needs who play sports develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Not only they grow mentally, socially and spiritually through their activities, they exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, while enjoying the rewards of friendship. Ultimately, they discover not only new abilities and talents but their voices as well.”
Mohd Shukry Hussain, a dedicated coach and special education teacher who has paved the way to success for many kids in the Special Olympics, shared his heart-touching life experience.
“When Zaim was born, his parents were told he would never sit up, walk, talk, potty train or do anything most other children naturally do. With the help of sports, I have seen him grow so much and today I’m delighted that he is an accomplished and confident athlete and a proud representative in Special Olympics for our nation. His parents said I have inspired him as a coach, but he has truly inspired me, especially with his extraordinary determination.”
Speaking about the workshop, Zulhaimi Abdul Hamid, communication leader of P&G, said, “P&G through its CSR programme, Open Minds, has touched and improved the lives of more than 10,000 children in both urban and rural areas; who are intellectually challenged and who may suffer from autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome, for example.
“Throughout the course of helping special needs children over the years, P&G has realised that by getting intellectually disabled children into sports, we’re opening up possibilities for parents who want to see their children grow up as confident individuals realising their dreams.”
Often being excluded from the mainstream society, Special Olympics holds dear to the heart of many special needs children to play and thrive.
The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large.
Find out more about Open Minds at www.openminds.my. The Special Olymipics website can be found at www.specialolympics.org/.
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