On the 5th November, the Family Support Network (FSN) of Special Olympics Malaysia organised their first Sibling Workshop, with the aim to familiarise family members of special needs athletes, with sibling engagement. There was also a mental health segment for both parents and siblings to learn how to prevent burnout.
This is the first ever Sibling Workshop organised by Family Support Network, Special Olympics Malaysia. Over 40 ID athletes, parents, and siblings participated during this workshop.Parents had a breakout session, while siblings of ID athletes met each other for the first time and had a good discussion and sharing session behind closed doors.
Catherine Bakewell, a sibling herself as well as facilitator for the sibling session shared, “There is general consensus among the siblings that we want to thank Special Olympics National Office Team for putting this together.It was nice to see there were others out there going through the same things we were.
“Because of what we learnt today, we can gain so much in terms of resources and support.”
When introducing the Family Support Network (FSN), Head of FSN in Malaysia, Daphne Tan said, “We want to start FSN in all state programs. Some states start with just one member. Then they gather a group of friends and start hiking or activities with children… in this way they start building rapport. Once that happens, the sky is the limit.”
When addressing the audience during her closing remarks, President of Special Olympics Malaysia, Madame Lam Saw Yin, shared, “At SOM, we are in the business of opening hearts, minds, and changing lives along the way.All members have a very important role to play.
“You as a group can do many things together, because of your passion and willingness to do it, so let’s grow FSN together.”
She concluded the workshop with the remark, “Let’s end this… but let’s end this with the beginning of better things to come!”
Guest speaker Dr. Sekar Jaganathan engages parents and siblings when talking about how to prevent burnout.
A break to fuel up for brainstorming session.
An ID athlete helping out with packing door gifts before the workshop began.
Mother and daughter (L-R): Wen Yee and Racheal.
Parent Lee Kah Khian with another parent Connie Yee, taking a picture together with ID athletes and siblings.
During the Planning Ahead session parents and siblings came up with a course of action.
