Special Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Healthy AthletesSpecial Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Healthy Athleteshttps://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/tag/healthy-athletesMon, 20 Apr 2026 17:04:51 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Special Olympics Malaysia Healthy Athletes Program in Conjunction to Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition 2025 ]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SOAPBC2025_HAP


Huge shout-out to the outstanding success of the Special Olympics Malaysia Healthy Athletes Program, held in conjunction with the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition 2025 at Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur!

This milestone stands out as one of this year’s most impactful Healthy Athlete initiatives, reaffirming our commitment to holistic well-being — not only for our athletes, but also for participants and delegates from across the region. 💪🌏

This Healthy Athletes Program delivers free health screenings and education for individuals with intellectual disabilities across five disciplines: FUNfitness (physical therapy), Health Promotion (well-being and healthy choices), Special Olympics–Lions Club International Opening Eyes (vision health), Special Smiles (dentistry), and Strong Minds (mental health).

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team —  Clinical Directors, volunteer doctors/healthcare professionals, medical students, and all volunteers — worked tirelessly behind the scenes to screen close to 300 athletes with dedication and compassion. Here’s to even greater achievements ahead for inclusive health! 🌟
]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:07:13 +0800<![CDATA[Congratulation to Prof. Dr. Toh Teck Hock]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Congratulation_DrTohCongratulations to Prof. Dr. Toh Teck Hock for being awarded the Global Golisano Health Leadership Award 2025.  Dr. Toh has spent decades champion ]]>
Dr Toh Teck Hock (left) and his wife (right) with Mr. Golisano (middle)

Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Toh Teck Hock for being awarded the Global Golisano Health Leadership Award 2025. 


Dr. Toh has spent decades championing inclusive health for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As co-founder of the Agape Center in Sarawak, he has helped hundreds of children with IDD receive early intervention support, with many successfully moving on to mainstream schools.


His impact extends far beyond Sarawak – through his leadership roles in Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® (Health Promotion & MedFest) and advisory contributions at both national and regional levels, Dr. Toh has shaped policies and partnerships that open doors to healthier, more inclusive futures across Malaysia and the Asia Pacific.


With a vision rooted in community action and national collaboration, Dr. Toh continues to build health systems where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.

]]>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:05:08 +0800<![CDATA[Harmony in Healthcare]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Harmony-in-HealthcareCelebrating the Crescendo of Success at the Healthy Athletes Blended Regional Train the Trainer Program]]>

Celebrating the Crescendo of Success at the Healthy Athletes Blended Regional Train the Trainer Program

26 November, Melacca City

SOM Healthy Athletes

A thunderous applause resonates in celebration of the remarkable success achieved on the grand stage of the Healthy Athletes Blended Regional Train the Trainer Program—an exceptional event hosted at the prestigious Manipal University College Malaysia in Melaka! This grand affair, meticulously organized by the Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) Inclusive Health team, proudly stands as the epitome of our steadfast dedication to holistic well-being. The event unfolded seamlessly, akin to a harmonious symphony, showcasing six impactful disciplines (with a notable omission of Healthy Hearing and Medfest). The occasion was graced by the presence of esteemed YB Hannah Yeoh, the Minister of Youth & Sports.


The Healthy Athletes Program, a beacon of benevolence, has unfurled its wings across eight disciplines, offering free health screenings and education to individuals with intellectual disabilities. These transformative areas encompass Fit Feet (the realm of podiatry), FUNfitness (a dance of physical therapy), Health Promotion (an anthem for better health and well-being), Healthy Hearing (a melody composed by audiology experts), Special Olympics-Lions Club International Opening Eyes (a visionary performance in vision health), Special Smiles (a vibrant expression in dentistry), Strong Minds (a symphony for mental health), and Medfest (the grand overture of sports physical exams).

SOM Healthy Athletes

Our dedicated ensemble, comprised of maestros such as Regional Clinical Advisors, Clinical Directors, Volunteer Doctors/Healthcare professionals, and the talented Medical Students, joined forces with countless volunteers to choreograph a seamless performance. From the meticulous preparations to the compassionate screening of 132 athletes, their tireless efforts radiated a spirit of devotion and care that was nothing short of celestial.


The event not only drew the spotlight but also had the distinct honor of hosting the esteemed YB Hannah Yeoh, who witnessed firsthand the profound impact woven under the expansive umbrella of Special Olympics. Her presence illuminated the vital role of health initiatives in our movement, transcending the realms of sports and echoing the heartbeat of a health-focused revolution.

SOM Healthy Athletes

A remarkable chapter in the annals of Special Olympics Malaysia unfolds with the addition of 28 new certified Clinical Directors, ready to embark on a journey dedicated to conducting more health screenings in 2024. This marks not just a milestone but a launching pad for the future, where the crescendo of health advocacy echoes louder and reaches farther.


Special Olympics Malaysia extends heartfelt gratitude to all whose collective efforts and contributions orchestrated this meaningful symphony. As we bask in the afterglow of this triumph, our gaze is set on the horizon, eagerly anticipating even greater accomplishments in the chapters yet to be written! Cheers to a future where every note played is a step closer to a healthier, happier world!

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]]>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:05:15 +0800<![CDATA[Prof Dr. Toh Teck Hock, the Clinical Director of Special Olympics Malaysia, has been appointed as Global Medical Advisory Committee]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Prof-Dr.-Toh-apppointed-global-medical-advisory-committeeWe are thrilled to share that Prof Dr. Toh Teck Hock, the Clinical Director of Special Olympics Malaysia, has been appointed by Special Olympics International as Global Medical Advisory Committee.]]>
We are thrilled to share that Prof Dr. Toh Teck Hock, the Clinical Director of Special Olympics Malaysia, has been appointed by Special Olympics International as Global Medical Advisory Committee. This is a great honour and a testament to Prof Dr. Toh’s experts and dedication to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Prof Dr. Toh has been actively involved in the Special Olympics Malaysia Movement since 2005. Conducted more than 25 Healthy Athletes Program locally and internationally and screened more than 3000 athletes. Prof Dr. Toh will be joining Team Malaysia at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 as a delegation medical staff.

Special Olympics is committed to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, and we prioritise their health and safety. Prof Dr. Toh’s appointment to the committee will ensure that our program continues to provide the best possible medical care and guidance to our athletes

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Dr. Toh on this well-deserved recognition. We appreciate his willingness to volunteer his time and expertise to serve the ID community, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will have on athletes worldwide.

Congratulations, Prof Dr. Toh!

]]>Sun, 07 May 2023 14:02:15 +0800<![CDATA[Opening Eyes and Special Smiles screening for Team Malaysia ]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/HA-screening-for-Team-MalaysiaTeam Special Olympics Malaysia got a special screening under Healthy Athletes programme.]]>
Healthy Athletes “Opening Eyes” & “Special Smiles” discipline was conducted today (29 Apr 2023) as part of Team Malaysia centralised training Melaka from 28 Apr to 1 May 2023 at Manipal University College Melaka (MUCM).

This screening session is a joint efforts by Faculty of Dentistry UM and MUCM in support of Team Malaysia preparing for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Thanks to all the Clinical Directors, students and volunteers from MUCM and UM.

]]>Tue, 02 May 2023 20:36:49 +0800<![CDATA[Special Athletes Virtual Education  Dental (SAVED)]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Special-Athletes-Virtual-Education Our main objective was to engage athletes in an exercise of education and self-determination of oral health, utilizing Special Smiles Clinical Direct ]]>

The Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya in collaboration with Special Olympics Malaysia organized a program titled "Special Athletes Virtual Education - Dental (SAVED)"

Our main objective was to engage athletes in an exercise of education and self-determination of oral health, utilizing Special Smiles Clinical Directors of the Healthy Athletes Program and a volunteer base of dental professionals and students. We had a virtual oral screening program to address concerns from athletes about sleeping and sleep apnea, trauma, smoking and vaping, hydration, and caries risk assessment; as well as to identify special athletes with urgent dental care needs and set up referral pathways.


We had 23 participants with their caregivers, clinical directors from Universiti Malaya and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, and observers from the local and the Asia Pacific region. After registration, we conducted a poll comprising 30 questions and health education facts with short stretch breaks in between and fun educational videos on toothbrushing and flossing technique. This was followed by 5 breakout rooms which gave participants an opportunity to have personal one-to-one consultations with our Special Smiles Clinical Directors with regards to their oral health. We had a few participants who were interested to come to Universiti Malaya for referral and continuation of care.


The program was concluded by a closing speech from the Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Prof. Dr. Zamri, and Program Chair of Special Olympics Malaysia, Madam Lam Saw Yin.

Flossing teeth
Correct technique to floss teeth
Zoom participants
Panel of Doctors and participants at the event
Brushing teeth
Brush inner surface of the front teeth
Atheltes at the SAVED event
Athletes and Caregivers at the event
Closing speech from the Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Prof. Dr. Zamri
Atheltes at the SAVED event
Closing speech from the President of Special Olympics Malaysia, Mdm Lam Saw Yin
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