Malaysia is set to host the Special Olympics National Games from 24–26 April 2026, marking an exciting milestone as the Games head to Bintulu, Sarawak for the very first time. This historic occasion not only brings the spirit of inclusion to East Malaysia, but also shines a spotlight on Bintulu as a growing hub for community-driven sporting excellence.
The 2026 National Games will feature eight sports, offering athletes a platform to showcase their abilities, determination, and teamwork.
| Sports | Venue |
|---|---|
| Athletics | Stadium Bintulu |
| Aquatics | Kolam Renang Awam BDA |
| Bocce | Stadium Muhibah |
| Badminton | B&G Badminton Centre |
| Unified Football 5-A-Side | Kelab Kidurong Bintulu |
| Table Tennis | Dinner World Restaurant (Ground Floor) |
| Basketball | Dewan Bola Kerajang Bintulu |
| Ten-Pin Bowling | Megaland Bowling Centre Bintulu |
Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) will be competing alongside Unified partners from states across Malaysia, reinforcing the core values of inclusion, friendship, and teamwork. Unified Sports bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, breaking down barriers and creating meaningful connections both on and off the field.
At the heart of the National Games are, of course, the athletes themselves. Their courage, resilience, and passion are what make this event truly special. Behind the scenes, a dedicated network of parents, coaches, and volunteers from Special Olympics Malaysia, together with the strong support of Bintulu Port, are working tirelessly to ensure the Games are safe, smooth, and memorable for everyone involved.
Running alongside the sporting competitions will be the Healthy Athletes (HA) programme, an essential component of the Special Olympics experience. Through this programme, athletes will have the opportunity to undergo free health screenings conducted by certified clinical directors (CDs), helping to identify unmet health needs and promote healthier, more active lives.
As we prepare for this meaningful celebration of ability and inclusion, we warmly welcome individuals, corporations, and organisations to join us on this journey. Your support—whether through volunteering, partnerships, or sponsorship—plays a vital role in strengthening our community and advancing opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. Together, we can make the 2026 National Games in Bintulu a truly transformative experience for all.
