Inaugural championship in Ipoh next month empowers young athletes with disabilities
INCLUSIVE sport reaches a historic milestone on July 11 with the debut of the Perak Open Special Olympics Athletics Championship 2026
Scheduled for 8.30am at
SMK Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, the groundbreaking event is specifically designed to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and lower physical abilities.
Organising chairman Datuk Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir said the event is expected to bring between 450 and 500 participants aged eight to 16 from Perak, alongside invited contingents from Pahang, Penang, Selangor and Putrajaya.
“The event is aimed at providing special athletes with opportunities to develop their talents, enhance their self-confidence, promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen social integration through participation in inclusive sporting activities,” Mohd Odzman said in a press conference held at Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH).
“We want to create more awareness of individuals with ID and encourage inclusivity. We urge the community at large to support the participants.”
The event is jointly organised by Persatuan Penggerak Rekreasi Sejahtera Ipoh (PPRSI), Special Olympics Perak, the State Education Department and PCSH.
Mohd Odzman said most special sporting events traditionally only catered to children from specialised schools.
“Special needs children are often left out of mainstream sporting events.
“Our event is open to everyone,” he said, adding that about 400 participants have signed up and no registration fee is required.
PPRSI chairman R. Shanker said the participants would be assessed and divided into groups based on their specific capabilities before competing.
“There are categories for participants with ID and those with lower physical ability.
“Because participants have different ID severity levels such as mild, moderate or severe, they will be split into specific groups to ensure fair competition,” he said, adding that every participant would be awarded a medal.
Under the ID category, athletes can partake in the 100m sprint, long jump, shot put and 4x100m relay.
For those in the ID with lower physical ability category, the events include the 50m sprint, standing long jump and softball throw.
PCSH resident paediatrician and paediatric neurologist Dr Alex Khoo said the championship’s ultimate goal is to dismantle barriers.
“Not many children with ID have opportunities to take part in sporting events.
“We want to let them compete and win fairly through hard work, while building their confidence.
“We also hope the public will come, support the children and get inspired,” said Dr Khoo.
Perak Special Olympics deputy president Dr R. Jeyaratnam said while the country aimed to reach 15,000 people with ID involved in sports by the end of the year, only about 9,000 are active.
“We need more platforms to empower athletes with ID.
“It is through sports that they can gain courage, independence and confidence,” he said, hoping for similar events to drive participation among individuals with ID.
PCSH chief executive officer Nicholas Chan said the championship yields benefits beyond physical fitness by creating a vital network for caregivers.
“It is not easy for parents to care for children with ID.
“This event will provide a platform for parents to meet, share ideas, get to know one another and offer mutual support,” said Chan.
