Pathway to the National Games 2026
The Athletics and Unified Sports Carnival, organised by Special Olympics Kedah, was successfully held on 7 February 2026 at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Sports Complex. Beyond being a celebration of inclusive sports, the carnival played an important role as a selection event for athletes representing Kedah at the National Games 2026.
The carnival was organised with the objective of promoting inclusive sports participation, strengthening social integration, and competitive readiness of athletes with intellectual disabilities. As part of the National Games selection process, the event provided athletes with a competitive environment to demonstrate their skills and sport readiness.
Sport events included Athletics, Bocce Unified, and Football 5-a-side Unified. All competitions were conducted smoothly, with strong participation from athletes, unified partners, technical officials, and volunteers. Performance, teamwork, and sportsmanship observed throughout the day contributed to the evaluation process for athlete selection.
The carnival concluded with a Closing Ceremony, jointly officiated by En Abdul Rahim Bin Mat, Director of Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Kedah (Kedah State Education Department), and Dr. Nasiruddin Bin Haron, Director of the UUM Sports Centre. Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between the education ministry and higher education institutions in supporting inclusive sports pathways, including athlete development and progression to national-level competitions.
Overall, the Athletics and Unified Sports Carnival served as SO Kedah’s preparation for the National Games 2026. In addition to identifying potential athletes for state representation, the event strengthened partnerships, enhanced athlete confidence, and reaffirmed Special Olympics Kedah’s commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
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