Special Olympics Malaysia - Blog #SOM National GamesSpecial Olympics Malaysia - Blog #SOM National Gameshttps://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/tag/som-national-gamesWed, 15 Apr 2026 04:22:31 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[SO Kedah: Athletics and Unified Sports Carnival 2026]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SOKedah_UnifiedSportCarnivalSO Kedah: Pathway to the National Games 2026]]>

Pathway to the National Games 2026

The Athletics and Unified Sports Carnival, organised by Special Olympics Kedah, was successfully held on 7 February 2026 at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Sports Complex. Beyond being a celebration of inclusive sports, the carnival played an important role as a selection event for athletes representing Kedah at the National Games 2026.


The carnival was organised with the objective of promoting inclusive sports participation, strengthening social integration, and competitive readiness of athletes with intellectual disabilities. As part of the National Games selection process, the event provided athletes with a competitive environment to demonstrate their skills and sport readiness.


Sport events included Athletics, Bocce Unified, and Football 5-a-side Unified. All competitions were conducted smoothly, with strong participation from athletes, unified partners, technical officials, and volunteers. Performance, teamwork, and sportsmanship observed throughout the day contributed to the evaluation process for athlete selection.

Pic: Bocce court set up during the Sport Carnival

The carnival concluded with a Closing Ceremony, jointly officiated by En Abdul Rahim Bin Mat, Director of Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Kedah (Kedah State Education Department), and Dr. Nasiruddin Bin Haron, Director of the UUM Sports Centre. Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between the education ministry and higher education institutions in supporting inclusive sports pathways, including athlete development and progression to national-level competitions.



Pic: En Abdul Rahim Bin Mat (Right), Director of Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Kedah (Kedah State Education Department), giving out prizes

Overall, the Athletics and Unified Sports Carnival served as SO Kedah’s preparation for the National Games 2026. In addition to identifying potential athletes for state representation, the event strengthened partnerships, enhanced athlete confidence, and reaffirmed Special Olympics Kedah’s commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Photos

]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:16:00 +0800<![CDATA[Special Olympics Malaysia National Games 2026 to take place in Bintulu, Sarawak]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/SOMNG2026SOMNG 2026, set in Bintulu Sarawak]]>

Malaysia is set to host the Special Olympics National Games from 24–26 April 2026, marking an exciting milestone as the Games head to Bintulu, Sarawak for the very first time. This historic occasion not only brings the spirit of inclusion to East Malaysia, but also shines a spotlight on Bintulu as a growing hub for community-driven sporting excellence.


The 2026 National Games will feature eight sports, offering athletes a platform to showcase their abilities, determination, and teamwork. 

 SportsVenue 
Athletics Stadium Bintulu 
 Aquatics Kolam Renang Awam BDA 
 Bocce Stadium Muhibah 
Badminton B&G Badminton Centre 
Unified Football 5-A-Side  Kelab Kidurong Bintulu 
Table Tennis  Dinner World Restaurant (Ground Floor) 
 Basketball Dewan Bola Kerajang Bintulu 
 Ten-Pin Bowling Megaland Bowling Centre Bintulu 


Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) will be competing alongside Unified partners from states across Malaysia, reinforcing the core values of inclusion, friendship, and teamwork. Unified Sports bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, breaking down barriers and creating meaningful connections both on and off the field.


At the heart of the National Games are, of course, the athletes themselves. Their courage, resilience, and passion are what make this event truly special. Behind the scenes, a dedicated network of parents, coaches, and volunteers from Special Olympics Malaysia, together with the strong support of Bintulu Port, are working tirelessly to ensure the Games are safe, smooth, and memorable for everyone involved.


Running alongside the sporting competitions will be the Healthy Athletes (HA) programme, an essential component of the Special Olympics experience. Through this programme, athletes will have the opportunity to undergo free health screenings conducted by certified clinical directors (CDs), helping to identify unmet health needs and promote healthier, more active lives.



As we prepare for this meaningful celebration of ability and inclusion, we warmly welcome individuals, corporations, and organisations to join us on this journey. Your support—whether through volunteering, partnerships, or sponsorship—plays a vital role in strengthening our community and advancing opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. Together, we can make the 2026 National Games in Bintulu a truly transformative experience for all.

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