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.
