After 4 days of centralised training in Melaka for the Berlin World Games, Head of Delegation Dr. Siva is optimistic of Team Malaysia’s medal chances.
Durian Daun, MELAKA, 4May 2023
A delegation of 39 coaches, officials, and athletes representing Malaysia at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 successfully completed centralised training in Melaka last weekend. The World Games is set to take place in Berlin, Germany from June 17th to June 25th, 2023.
During the centralised training in Melaka, some of the 16 intellectually disabled (ID) athletes and their six unified partners met for the first time since the National Games 2022 to practice for team events like the 100m relay and badminton mixed doubles, as well as unified team events such as bocce unified doubles, badminton unified doubles, and bowling.
Dr. Sivanesan a/l Govindasamy from Perak leads Team Malaysia to Berlin as head of delegation, with Bong Koi Sin from Melaka serving as the assistant head of delegation.
Dr. Sivanesan shared that the Special Olympics World Games is an all-inclusive sporting event with participation from 170 countries worldwide. "So, when you win gold at this world game, you are a true world champion." He shared this during a ceremony to welcome KBS Deputy Minister YB Adam Adli, who visited the centralised training in Melaka.
In a brief speech, YB Adam Adli acknowledged the immense challenges that the athletes face to represent the nation at an international level, especially at a sporting event like the Special Olympics. He also recognised the skill, experience, and patience required for the athletes of different abilities to work together as a unified team for the badminton, bowling, and bocce events.
Before departing for Berlin, the delegation will meet once again in KL for a send-off ceremony expected to be graced by the presences of KBS Minister YB Hannah Yeoh, and also sporting personalities and legends.
