SUBANG JAYA: The atmosphere at the Ampang Superbowl at Summit USJ was filled with positive energy, motivation and the sound of cheers.
This is as members of the Selangor Special Olympics team underwent their weekly training session in preparation of the Berlin Special Olympics (SO) World Games which will take place in June 2023.
Special Olympics Malaysia national director Connie Yee said coaches assess athletes to the games according to their ability and focus on what athletes can do, their strength, as well as their abilities.
She said the transformative power of sports is to instil confidence, improve health, and inspire a sense of competition to unleash the true potential of our athletes."
The biggest challenge is that we need to be very patient dealing with the athletes and always encourage them, Yee adds.
"All the athletes have different abilities. Like in any sport, when they don't do well, we give them feedback.
"When they do well, they will feel really good and that's when we continue to cheer them to be better for themselves"
"I believe they will do their best as stated in the Special Olympics athlete oath - 'Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt", she said.
Yee said the selection process sees athletes through the state games, and national games to qualify for this international world game"
"The athletes know that they are representing Malaysia so they will do their best and put in the extra effort," Yee told the NST.
Doris Choong, the mother of Chin Lai Yen, 30, expressed her excitement at knowing that her daughter was selected to represent the country at the Berlin World Games.
"We are extremely proud our children are representing Malaysia in the Special Olympics World Games
"We are really looking forward to seeing them compete at the world stage as it is a great life experience for our athletes"
She also said that at first, the parents have to deal with a variety of challenges to help their children get ready mentally for state and national competitions.
"We try our best to communicate with our children because sometimes it is difficult to understand them, but we try by putting ourselves in their shoes"
"Because they have their own way to progress, as such we have to treat them with patience," said Choong.
Four athletes and a unified partner who are representing the SOM Selangor team at the Berlin World Games are determined to bring back gold medals for the country.
"We love bowling and we can win big gold medals!" the group of athletes cheered during the interview.
She hopes to increase public awareness of Special Olympics Malaysia movements to enhance an inclusive society.
"I want people to know that these athletes can do so much and so well with their strength and abilities.
"Everyone is welcome, we want to reach out to every state and district in Malaysia.
"Check out the 10-state program under the umbrella of SOM on our website. If you know of anyone with special needs, kids or adults who are interested in sports, get them to join us" she said.
