Chan (eighth from left) and Sunny (second from right) with members from ATPI Malaysia and Pan-Disability Football Club.
ATPI Malaysia partnered with Pan-Disability Football Club to sponsor team jerseys for the club’s 400-strong community of players across 10 disability classifications.
“We are honoured to launch this partnership supporting Pan-Disability Football Club in its remarkable journey of making sports truly inclusive in Malaysia,” ATPI Malaysia country manager Angelica Chan said of the event that was also held in conjunction with World Disability Day.
“Their impressive track record of using football as a catalyst for social development aligns perfectly with our commitment to meaningful community engagement.
“This partnership represents more than just jersey sponsorship. It’s about supporting a programme that has demonstrated real impact in changing lives,” she added.
Founded by Sunny Shalesh, winner of The Star Golden Heart Award 2021 and Malaysia’s Best Community Football Coach (MFL/FAM Anugerah Bolasepak Kebangsaan 2017), Pan-Disability Football Club has achieved success in breaking down barriers in the country’s sporting arena.
Their programmes span multiple categories including football for amputees, the blind, those using walking aids and people with cerebral palsy, as well as futsal for the intellectually disabled.
The club’s free coaching is provided for participants ranging in age from six to 40.
“This support from ATPI Malaysia will help us continue our mission of empowering people with disabilities through football,” said Sunny, who is also head coach.
“Our programme has shown significant impact – from producing Asean Para Games champions to helping participants secure university placements and start their own businesses.
“These jerseys represent more than team uniforms; they symbolise dignity, inclusion and the recognition of our players as athletes,” he added.
The club’s achievements include developing Malaysia’s National Blind Football Team into Asean champions and achieving world ranking of 17th.
Their work has been featured in award-winning campaigns and the documentary film Eye on the Ball, demonstrating their significant influence in promoting inclusive sports in Malaysia.