Special Olympics Malaysia - Blog , Coach DevelopmentSpecial Olympics Malaysia - Blog , Coach Developmenthttps://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/coach-developmentWed, 15 Apr 2026 04:17:12 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Pioneering ID Hockey Course for Coaches: A Landmark Achievement]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SOM-Level-1-ID-Hockey-Coaching-Course The Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) proudly organized the inaugural ID Hockey Course, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping coaches with the ]]>

The Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) proudly organized the inaugural ID Hockey Course, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping coaches with the necessary skills to train athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). This course was made possible through the generous grant provided by Gallagher, without which this pioneering effort could not have taken place.


With the grant secured, SOM strategically planned the course in collaboration with Mr Andre Oliveira, the FIH Senior Academy Manager and Mr Norman Hughes, the FIH Hockey ID Project Lead. Their guidance was instrumental in designing a two-stage accreditation program tailored specifically for ID Hockey. Additionally, the Ministry of Education Malaysia, through its Special Education Unit, played a crucial role in ensuring teachers from states without established hockey programs could participate.


By the close of registration, an impressive 36 participants had signed up. Due to the large number, they were divided into two groups of 18. The course commenced with a rigorous online training phase, comprising six hours of instruction spread over three alternate days. Each session lasted two hours and included assignments and tasks to reinforce learning. The online training was conducted by esteemed FIH instructors Mr. Thomas from Hong Kong and Mr. Coen Van Putten from the Netherlands.

Following the online training, 33 participants qualified for the practicum session, which was held from February 21-23 in Ipoh, Perak and hosted by Special Olympics Perak. Here, Gallagher's funding played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the practical training. FIH and AHF further supported the initiative by providing expert coaches, including Mr. Coen Van Putten and Mr. Imdad Ali from Pakistan. The practicum sessions were intense, challenging participants with four demanding training modules. Some trainees had minimal experience in ID Hockey, yet despite initial scepticisms, they embraced the sessions and performed exceptionally well.

 

Mr. Norman Hughes, remarked, "This is the first Face to Face FIH Hockey ID Level 1 to be delivered." His statement highlights the significance of this milestone event in ID Hockey development.


"At first, I was unsure if I could manage the training, but the course structure and guidance from the instructors made all the difference. Now, I feel confident to train ID athletes back home," shared one of the participants.

Ultimately, 29 participants successfully completed the Level 1 ID Hockey practical course, marking a historic milestone as the first batch of teachers to undergo such specialized training under the auspices of FIH. This achievement would not have been possible without Gallagher’s unwavering support, and for that, our deepest gratitude is extended.


"Seeing the participants grow and develop their coaching skills over the duration of the course was truly inspiring. Their dedication and commitment to ID Hockey is commendable," said Mr. Coen Van Putten, one of the lead instructors.


The impact of this course goes beyond certification. By reaching teachers in states previously without ID Hockey programs, we have significantly expanded the sport’s accessibility. The newly certified coaches are now eager to impart their knowledge to their students, ensuring a lasting legacy. Looking ahead, these dedicated coaches have committed to training and preparing ID Hockey teams for the upcoming hockey tournament in June 2025, set to take place in Ipoh, Perak.

 

Several participants shared their experiences and insights gained from the course:

Name: Syaziah Martah

State: Kedah

School: SK Teluk Wang


"I started this ID Hockey Coaching Course with no prior knowledge of hockey. However, through the course, I’ve learned a great deal and now feel confident in coaching my students in the future, as well as in organizing and designing plans for them. I hope my team continues to improve and grow in the future."

Name: Abdul Hafiz Margono

State: Johor

School: SK Pendidikan Khas Batu Pahat


“This course has helped us, as special education teachers, with a deeper understanding of Special Olympics Malaysia, gain more knowledge and to provide us with advocacy tools, highlighting how it differs from the Paralympics. This course helped us to design creative games for the special education students and athletes. I hope to have more of this course in the future”.

Name: Amsalegha Selvarajah

State: Negeri Sembilan

School: SJKT Ladang Regent


"This is my first time participating in a Special Olympics Malaysia program, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity. This course has been incredibly beneficial to me. I had the privilege of meeting coaches Mr. Coen from the Netherlands and Mr. Imdad from Pakistan. Through this experience, I gained valuable knowledge, learned hockey skills, and techniques that will be useful in the future, as I plan to share these insights with my students at school."

Name: Aznullah Bin Aziz

State: Pulau Pinang

School: SK Pendidikan Khas SK Jalan Hutton


"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join and learn about ID Hockey. I used to dislike the sport, but after this 3-day course, I've developed a love for it. I hope this course can be shared across Malaysia to inspire more coaches and expand hockey activities."

A special note of appreciation is extended to FIH for their invaluable support in making this course a success. Their contribution played a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the training and practicum sessions.


Additionally, we express our heartfelt gratitude to AHF Raja Ashman Shah Hockey Academy for their generosity in presenting hockey sticks and balls to all participants. Dato’ Roshidi bin Hashim, Member Board of Trustees, AHF Raja Ashman Shah Hockey Academy was present to give away the sticks. Their support will greatly aid the newly trained coaches in implementing their lessons and fostering the growth of ID Hockey within their respective schools and communities.


This course marks the beginning of a new chapter in ID Hockey development in Malaysia, promising greater inclusion and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Once again, our heartfelt appreciation goes to Gallagher for making this monumental achievement possible.

]]>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:26:09 +0800<![CDATA[Gallagher-SOI-BWF Badminton Course ]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Badminton_CourseOver 20 badminton coaches completed their Gallagher-SOI-BWF badminton course in Alor Setar today.]]>
Over 20 badminton coaches completed their Gallagher-SOI-BWF badminton course in Alor Setar today... just in time to head home for Mother's Day.

Well done, coaches, we look forward to seeing you on the courts soon with future shuttlers under your capable wings!

]]>Sun, 14 May 2023 16:18:59 +0800<![CDATA[SO Sarawak has regular bocce sessions now]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SOSarawak_regular_bocceEffort, creativity, teamwork - lo, behold SO Sarawak has regular Bocce sessions now]]>

Thanks to a collaboration between Special Olympics Sarawak (Kuching Chapter) and Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN), Sarawakians in the state can now learn basic bocce skills, every Sunday evening from 4.30pm till 6.00pm.


This collaboration kicked off recently via Chief Coach and Trainer Ng Kum Loy, at SJK Bintawa, Kuching. But things were set in motion since as early as late May!These regular Sunday bocce sessions are possible because of first contact between SO Sarawak and KATSN. After a presentation on 12 June 2022, so that KATSN could understand more about Special Olympics and the sport called bocce, KATSN President Madam Lim gave her support for a bocce course to be held for KATSN members and their children.


After that came the thorny problem of a suitable venue, but this was solved after meeting Mr Wee Kim Kwang, the Headmaster of SJK Bintawa, and Cikgu Aaron Chung, a PPKI teacher. Special thanks to Kathy Lee, a teacher counselor at the school, and parent Evelyn Sim for linking us together! The school has a Petangue court, and with two rolls of carpets (cut into 8 pieces) and PVC pipes, we successfully transformed it into a makeshift bocce court.


Not forgetting also, heartfelt gratitude to KATSN for outsourcing equipment for parents, children, and volunteers to play andenjoy bocce!

After an official letter to Sarawak State Education Department, supported by a letter from SO Kuching Chapter, the education department issued their approval for bocce to be carried out at the school! (With several conditions to be followed).


7 athletes together with their parents, coaches, and volunteers attended this inaugural session… we look to welcome more to join us!


If you are interested to join us, or would like to know how to start a sports training/coaching session in your area, contact us!

Group photo of all participants.

Self-introduction by all participants.

Rolls of artificial lawn carpets are use to setup the Bocce court.

4 pieces of carpet arranged strategically for optimum participation.

Participants getting ready for warm up.

Participants doing stretching as part of warm up exercise.

Participants getting to know the terminology of the game.

Basic skill development: Rolling, Direction, and Foul Line.

]]>Sat, 19 Nov 2022 15:58:55 +0800<![CDATA[Badminton Coaching Clinic]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/badminton-coaching-clinicOn the    26 th    March 2022, for the first time SO    Sarawak,    Kuching chapter conducted a badminton clinic for th ]]>

Special Olympics Sarawak Kuching Chapter conducted it's first Badminton Coaching Clinic for teachers from eight centres and schools

On the  26th  March 2022, for the first time SO  Sarawak,  Kuching chapter conducted a badminton clinic for their prospective athletes with 8  CBR  centres  and schools participated  in this program.  The 1-day clinic was held at the Yayasan  Sarawak Hall attended by 19 coaches & 24 athletes & 5 SO committee  members & coaches, headed by  Pn. Wendy, Cik Florence &  En. Myron &  Cikgu  Chong.


We thank the  Ministry  of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak for funding us to conduct this coaching clinic and purchasing 20 sets of badminton racket and 30 sets of shuttlecocks to kickstart badminton program in our chapter.

Participants at the clinics
Group photo with participants
Badminton training
Coaching session in progress
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