KUALA LUMPUR: Khairunnisa Johari, a trainee from the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), is set to represent Malaysia at the 10th Abilympics Competition in Metz, France.
Despite being entirely reliant on a wheelchair, Khairunnisa, 35, is confident about showcasing her skills in the word processing field against 20 other contestants.
The Abilympics Competition is an international platform designed to promote the talents of persons with disabilities in vocational skills.
In addition to word processing, the competition will feature other categories such as computer assembly, outdoor and studio photography, restaurant services, web page design, painting and waste reuse, floral arrangement, basic and advanced dressmaking, data processing, and embroidery.
The competition will be held for two days from March 24 at the Exhibition Centre, Eurométropole Metz in France.
Khairunnisa, who goes by Nisa, reflected on her childhood memories of living with mobility limitations, recalling how her father would carry her to class on the fifth floor when she was just 13 years old.
She noted the differences between the era she grew up in and today's era, where there is greater exposure through the internet, enabling her to pick up new skills, which helped boost her confidence.
The Kedah-born said the two-hour contest that she will participate in, focuses on typing and word formatting.
"I see this as a challenge as it is a race against time.
"We must work diligently to accomplish our goals. Never give up too soon and never forget the ones who helped us," she said, when met during the competition's flag-off ceremony at Mont Kiara on March 18.
Muhammad Hanif Naufal Mohd Mazni's narrative is equally inspirational, having polished his hidden talent for restaurant services during his training, despite his reading difficulties.
With the support of his family, teachers, and friends, the 23-year-old was able to overcome his challenges and pursue his passion for Mathematics and Science.
"I once attempted to escape from school as I was close to giving up on my studies, but my family, teachers, and friends' support kept me going.
"I particularly enjoy Mathematics and Science since they are 'hands-on' subjects, as opposed to Malay and English, which emphasise reading and writing."
Malaysia Council Rehabilitation president and Abilympics committee chairman Khatijah Sulaiman said the competition is a significant event for the team, which had to contend with delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict
"You are now at the final lap of your journey, which is also the beginning of a hopeful journey," she said, referring to all 16 Malaysian Abilympians.
The organisation is partnered with Alliance Malaysia Berhad and supported by the Human Resources Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, and Education Ministry.
Present were Human Resources Ministry (human resource policy) chief assistant secretary Paul Devaraj Michael, and Malaysia Council Rehabilitation advisor Datuk Mahmood Merican.
