Special Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Family Support NerworkSpecial Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Family Support Nerworkhttps://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/tag/family-support-nerworkWed, 18 Mar 2026 11:29:57 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Special Olympics Kedah Hosts Inaugural Family Health Forum, Engaging 46 Local Schools]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Kedah-FHFThe vibrant community of Sungai Petani proudly hosted Special Olympics Kedah's first Family Health Forum (FHF) today.]]>

Sungai Petani, 8 September 2024 – The vibrant community of Sungai Petani proudly hosted Special Olympics Kedah's first Family Health Forum (FHF) today. This landmark event focused on enhancing family health for those with intellectual disabilities in the Kuala Muda/Yan district. Held at the Dewan Pusat Latihan Agensi Antidadah Kebangsaan (AADK), the forum united key stakeholders, health experts, and local schools to explore crucial health and wellness topics.

Dr. Selvaraja Nadesan, Vice President of Special Olympics Malaysia and Organizing Chairman of the FHF Kedah, warmly welcomed all participants to the forum, which included 46 schools from the district. The event kicked off with an inspiring address from Dr. Sivanesan Govindasamy, Deputy President of Special Olympics Malaysia and representative of SO Perak. Dr. Govindasamy’s opening speech set an optimistic tone for a day of meaningful discussions and community engagement.


Encik Ahmad Bin Abdullah, Timbalan PPD Sektor Pembelajaran, then took the stage to highlight the importance of collective efforts in advancing family health.

The core of the event was a panel discussion, expertly moderated by Dr. Sivanesan Govindasamy. The panel featured distinguished experts:

  • Puan Che Fazalani binti Fathil, Nutrition Specialist at the Unit Pemakanan Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Kuala Muda,
  • Dr. Mohd Affendi bin Hashim, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

  

Their insightful discussions provided valuable perspectives on nutrition, mental health, and strategies for supporting families with intellectual disabilities.

The day concluded with an engaging segment for children – the Special Olympics Young Athletes Programme obstacle course. This interactive activity allowed young participants to showcase their skills and enthusiasm, with prizes awarded for their achievements.


The successful execution of the Family Health Forum, part of the broader Special Olympics Inclusive Health programme, underscores the community’s dedication to improving family health and well-being in the Kuala Muda/Yan district. The collaboration between Special Olympics Malaysia, educational and health professionals, and local schools has heightened awareness of health issues among athletes and caregivers, while also fostering significant health system partnerships.

                

]]>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:01:50 +0800<![CDATA[Special Olympics Young Athletes]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/special-olympics-young-athletesAround 50 families gathered at Tender Hearts Cafe in KL Gateway Mall for the introduction of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program.]]>

Around 50 families gathered at Tender Hearts Cafe in KL Gateway Mall for the introduction of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program.

KL Gateway Mall, June 1, 2024 — Tender Hearts Cafe buzzed with excitement as around 50 families gathered for the introduction of the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. The event, held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featured a variety of games and physical exercises designed to enhance motor skills, coordination, and social interaction among the young participants.


The Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an early childhood play initiative for children with and without intellectual disabilities, aged 2 to 7 years old. It introduces basic sports skills such as running, kicking, and throwing, offering families, teachers, caregivers, and community members the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.


Parents were delighted to see their children enthusiastically participating in these activities, which support both their physical and emotional growth. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for families to connect and share experiences, fostering a supportive community network.


"Saya sebagai ibu sangat bangga dengan Special Olympic Malaysia kerana mereka dapat membentuk atlit atlit dengan bergitu sempurna"  Rosli Binti Zainal


This launch event underscored Special Olympics Malaysia's dedication to inclusive development and early intervention, laying a strong foundation for the future growth of these young athletes.

]]>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:42:36 +0800<![CDATA[Yet another sports and training programme begins]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/yet-another-sports-and-training-programme-beginsYet another sports and training programme begins, thanks to parents and volunteers and schools working together.]]>

Yet another sports and training programme begins, thanks to parents and volunteers and schools working together.


Family Support Networks in SO State Programs have often led the way in providing training for their Athletes in preparation for Competitions and Games when no training is available in a particular sport. SO Sabah and SO Selangor parents lead the way in this.


Late last year, parents of 6 Athletes from SO Penang resolved to start Basketball training for their sons. Through teamwork and contacts, the boys have recently started training in basketball with the help of a State player, a unified partner/sibling and a father who drills the boys in basic basketball skills.


This is a testament to the tenacity and the drive parents have to see their athletes receive training. Well done to Carmen and Alex and their fellow SOP parents in pursuing this.


]]>Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:08:39 +0800<![CDATA[SO Sarawak, MIRI Chapter Family Support Network (FSN) Formed]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/miri_fsn_formedSO Sarawak, Miri Chapter is pleased to announce the formation of SO Sarawak’s first Family Support Network today.]]>

Miri Chapter of SO Sarawak is pleased to announce the formation of SO Sarawak’s first Family Support Network today.


The event was in conjunction with the official introduction of Young Athletes Program in two PDKs (Community-based Rehabilitation) centres situated in Miri. This was the first face-to-face meeting after the pandemic.


The meeting drew 11 young athletes, their parents, siblings, relatives and teachers from two PDKs who were introduced to Special Olympics and Young Athletes activities. There was also a play session where the athletes had an opportunity to take part in the activities.


Towards the end, parents were encouraged and signed up to form a Family Support Network where they could share with and learn from each other. We hope to continue the conversations on Whatsapp and organise sharing sessions on topics that the parents are interested in.


There was also be a talk on “Healthy diets for young children with ID” by Ms Koa Ai Ling, the Dietician from the Miri GH.

]]>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 19:54:00 +0800<![CDATA[Celebrating “Persons with Disability” Day with a Uniqlo retail experience]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Celebrating-Persons-with-Disability-DayCelebrating “Persons with Disability” Day with a Uniqlo retail experience]]>

In early December, eleven Special Olympics (SO) athletes were treated to an in-store retail experience by famous apparel maker, Uniqlo.

 

In conjunction with Persons Disability Month (PWD), the apparel maker decided to give our Special Olympians a unique experience of the different duties a Uniqlo in-store staff has like how to keep their clothes shelves and displays neat and tidy, body folding, and even how to dress a mannequin.

 

It was a good learning experience for the athletes, and they all had a great time. Thank you Uniqlo Malaysia!

Everyone is in high spirits after the session.

A team talk before the store opens.

A Uniqlo staff answers questions that our athletes have.

Cashier duties include bagging purchases, which athletes got a taste of as well.
 

]]>Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:52:38 +0800<![CDATA[First Sibling Workshop "Prevent Burnout"]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SiblingWorkshop2022SO Malaysia held its first Sibling Workshop]]>

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.

Daphne shares the different ways for parents and siblings to be involved in Special Olympics

An ID athlete helping out with packing door gifts before the workshop began.

Behind closed doors, the siblings quickly got to work listing down their ideas for support and sustainability of their ID siblings.


Mother and daughter (L-R): Wen Yee and Racheal.

Mom Belinda and son Shawn are bonding with Catherine Bakewell who is a sibling and helped facilitate the Sibling portion of event.

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.

]]>Sun, 06 Nov 2022 14:50:00 +0800<![CDATA[Parenting Empowerment Workshop]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Parenting-Empowerment-WorkshopOn October 23, 16 parents gathered during a workshop to talk about bringing more awareness of the SO movement to raise the profile of Special Olympics in the country.]]>

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): Soo finds Google is a good way for parents to find more resources about SOM.

 Chanthira likes the workshop format, and would like to see more events like this.

Carol shared how her ID son Miao Qing, was able to start his own business - more about that at a later date!

(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): Rohani said, “I can see the benefit of bringing kids to bowling. It’s good to know there are another 30 parents exactly like me, and to see other kids come up to talk to my child.”


Gertrude is thankful for all the activities provided and is happy that her son has a place to belong. “Only parents with special needs kids will understand your child. And I know that my son will improve faster if he had a mentor/buddy who has passion for what they do.”

(L-R): You will never catch SO Selangor bowling coach, David, smiling.

Siew Yeen is rooting for him because she thinks  more coaches are needed to help the kids.

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.

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