Special Olympics Malaysia’s (SOM’s) parenting workshop held on 23rd Oct 20-22 saw 16 parents gathering at Stem4All to learn more about Special Olympics Malaysia and the roles that everybody can have to further its cause.
SOM’s National Director (ND), Connie Yee, kicked things off by explaining the organisation’s objective, mission, and various programs that SO members can participate in.For example, there is an Athlete Leadership program that looks at developing potential ID athletes in areas beyond just sports.
Connie explained, “There is a structured program in Special Olympics,” to do this, not to mention a range of resources that are ready to be used so that ID athletes can explore their potential as brand ambassadors, sports leaders, health messengers, event coordinators, and even global messengers.
It was an eye-opener for most of the parents to find out that SO is not only about sports. There are structured and well-organised resources and programs for health, well-being, education, and very importantly, social inclusion.
For everyone to play
All in all, Special Olympics is ‘special’ because it provides equal opportunity to ID (intellectually disabled) kids to be able to join, play, and excel in a sport that suit their ability.It’s a fundamental rule at Special Olympics that athletes in competitions are matched up with others of the same gender, in the same age group and most importantly, of about the same competitive ability in divisioning.
This explains the Special Olympics Athletes’ Oath that inspires athletes to call upon their deepest reserves of courage to at least try to compete no matter what the outcome may be.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”
The importance of Census
After talking about the Athlete Leadership program and what is needed to be able to start it, Connie also shared about the census activity that SOM and state programs conduct, every year.
After sharing participation trends from ID athletes, unified partners, and coaches, she and the parents brainstormed ideas on how to reach more parents of ID individuals and increase their participation in state programs and also SOM.
There was an unspoken agreement that there can be a pipeline of young athletes to join, as older athletes have started to take on jobs to earn a living and can’t join in SO activities as how they used to.
Mr Soo Kam Son, a parent said, “Now that we are in the endemic phases, all parents can make an effort to spread the word and let the kids have opportunity to enjoy sports and enjoy the benefits of sports.”
Parents are also encouraged to join as committee members to contribute ideas, time, to help enhance their SO programs at State level.
Everyone around the table, took turns to speak and voice their opinions.
(L-R): Anne wonders how kids will have time to train if there are more sports activities by SOM. Her son is in bowling and table tenni.
Erin thinks a list of links for parents to read about SOM/SOS would be helpful for them to know what they are getting into.
(L-R): Doris would like more counselling resources for ID individuals to learn how to manage their emotions and how to manage verbal abuse from less understanding parties.
Belinda also wants more workshop topics about how to manage ID children.
Rose thinks more workshops, outings, and events for parents to get together are good.
(L-R): You will never catch SO Selangor bowling coach, David, smiling.
Racheal and hubby Cheah, have a quick chat together with Connie, during the teabreak. Cheah advocates starting a new sport even if the participation numbers are small at the beginning, because it will grow eventually.
