Special Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Story of AthleteSpecial Olympics Malaysia - Blog #Story of Athletehttps://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/tag/story-of-athleteWed, 18 Mar 2026 11:36:39 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Shall we play Table Tennis?]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Shall-we-play-Table-Tennis“Coaching special needs children with intellectual disabilities is indeed a challenging and an arduous task”]]>

“Coaching special needs children with intellectual disabilities is indeed a challenging and an arduous task” says Connie Yee, a mother of Special needs child

“Coaching special needs children with intellectual disabilities is indeed a challenging and an arduous task” says Connie Yee, mother of Teik Kean, 23 years old. “We are required to have limitless patience, appropriate skills, and the ability to adapt to the erratic moods and the ever-evolving behaviour of our children, so that we can continuously engage and encourage them to grow” she continues.


Recently, Connie and Teik Kean took part in the 2-day virtual table tennis session conducted by Ms Lua Bee Yueh, SOAP Regional Sports Advisor for Table Tennis. Training at the start was challenging as the table tennis ball is “quite small, light, and bounces a little too easily!” Connie had to be innovative to create different exercises for Teik Kean to do. To his credit, diligent practice paid off and after two weeks, and some frustration, Teik Kean could serve the ball to the opponent and enjoy a few rallies with his mum.  “I am very proud of how far he has come and his willingness to learn” says Connie.

SO Athlete playing table tennis
]]>Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:11:22 +0800<![CDATA[I'm a Winner]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/WinnerMason Sondoh is 10 years old and lives in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is the group 1 winner of Fun Drawing Contest.]]>

Mason Sondoh, 10 years old from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is the group 1 winner of Fun Drawing Contest.

 

Mason Sondoh is 10 years old and lives in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He is the first prize winner in Group 1 (7-12 years) in the recently held ‘Thank You Card Fun Drawing Contest’ organised by the Family Support Network of Special Olympics Malaysia. Photo on the left is the winning artwork. Mason loves to draw in his spare time following the footsteps of his father, Robertso Sondoh.

At the prize giving ceremony, Mason said that he was surprised and happy that he won. Seen here (photo below) with his father in their traditional Kadazan outfits.
Mason and Father Robertso Sondoh
]]>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 17:29:01 +0800<![CDATA[Marina's Story]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Marina_StorySince 1995 I have been involved in Special Olympics Singapore and Malaysia.]]>

Since 1995 I have been involved in Special Olympics Singapore and Malaysia.

My name is Marina and I was born 27th March 1980.  Since 1995 I have been involved in Special Olympics Singapore and Malaysia. I joined the Special Olympics because I love sports and to take part in competitions plus I make new friends.  I take part in swimming, bowling and bocce.  I train a lot in these sports with many coaches helping me.  I have a chance to go outside Malaysia during competitions and leadership seminars.  Special Olympics competitions and leadership programs allow me to travel to Texas, Shanghai, Brunei, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuching, Sibu, KL, Perak and of course Penang.


Marina is also trained as an Athlete Leader and has given interviews about Special Olympics in public events.  She works in McDonald’s and has also attended training as a Fit5/Dance Fit Assistant Coach and recently led us in two dances at the Family Support Network Awards Ceremony.

Editor and Mentor to Marina
]]>Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:39:28 +0800<![CDATA[Story of an athlete from SO Sabah]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Life-of-Athletes-from-SO-Sabah“Three or four time a week, I go cycling with my friends”, said Zul, a 24 year old athlete from Sabah.]]>

“Three or four time a week, I go cycling with my friends”, said Zul, a 24 year old athlete from Sabah.

Zulkarnian bin Mohd Riduan is considred a 'veteran' athlete since he joined the Special Olympics movement when he was 8 years old, undergoing training in several sports over the years like Athletics, Football, Badminton and Snowshoeing. His achievement includes: 100m, 200m Champion in the District games, Badminton Singles Champion at the State level competition, and was in the winning team in the Borneo Cup Football competition. He bagged the bronze in the snowshoeing in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in South Korea.


Zul's father En. Mohd Riduan Abdullah, an active member and Coach in the Special Olympics Family Support Network (FSN) in SO Sabah, said that Zul being the second child in the family of four siblings, is currently helping in the home-based family bundle business selling used garments. He himself enjoys cycling and hence Zul goes along with his encouragement. When asked why he linkes cycling? Zul replies, "I get to meet new friends, and cycling helps keep me fit. My mental has to be strong too."

]]>Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:51:29 +0800<![CDATA[Unexpected Gift]]>https://www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org/blogs/post/Unexpected-GiftDown syndrome affects 1 in 800 children born in Malaysia. The most common unique chromosomal condition, it is associated with intellectual disability, ]]>

Story of a Mother with Down Syndrome Kid

Down syndrome affects 1 in 800 children born in Malaysia. The most common unique chromosomal condition, it is associated with intellectual disability, delays in speech development, and distinctive facial features.

Children with Down Syndrome are often treated as though they are the same. But their families know that they are not. When our first-born child Ryan was born, as a first-time inexperience parent we were excited as well as worried about our capability in raising a normal child.

After a month of Ryan checking in can out of the hospital for jaundice, the head nurse notices a faint feature of Ryan and told us that we should get him tested as she suspected him born with down syndrome. The news was like a tight knot in our stomach and reluctantly Anna and I decided to send a blood sample to reaffirm his condition.

About a month later, we receive the result, and it was devastating to us. We were feeling lost and even having serious doubt how we could raise Ryan.

Looking back today, 21 years ago, it was a journey fill with frustration, laughter, appreciation and most of all love.

The One powerful Lesson Ryan taught me….

Every child is different, and every parent loves their child differently. There are no wrong ways to love your special needs child, but there are right ways. Special needs parents can find many challenges in dealing with their children, but the one thing that will always remain true is that they love them unconditionally.

One of the greatest lessons I learned from Ryan is “Acceptance”. I learned that you have to accept people for who they are, not what you expect them to be. You also have to accept the fact that God will only give you gift that he knows you will be able to handle. Though it may not seem like it at first. You will face confusing times, questioning why has this happen to you. All I can share today is that Anna and I feel that Ryan has been such a unique and remarkable gift that has shaped us into the person we were destined to be. We can never ask for a better child than Ryan.

Practical parenting tips

Parents of children with D.S know that the condition is not something they can prepare for. The diagnosis may be difficult to process and may require some time before you feel ready to take on this challenge. But with the right information and resources, you will be able to take care of your child with Down Syndrome in a way that will help them thrive, grow, and fulfill their potential.

So here are some practical tips for parenting a child with Down Syndrome:

Instead of denial, seek early intervention
Children with Down syndrome have specific educational needs that are different from other children. It is important to find the right school for them, especially in the early stages of their life.
Get involved in your community for support
There are many ways to get involved in the community. You can volunteer at your local Special Olympics or special needs children association, become an active board member. These are all great ways to meet new people and be around like-minded individuals who will support you through life's ups and downs.

Teach them skills they can use throughout life;
It is critically important that children with D.S be taught life skills rather than academic studies. The learned skills then can be use to earn money throughout their life. They will be able to care for themselves and live an  independent life.

We also need to cultivate the right type of behaviour until it becomes a habit for them. Habits is one powerful God’s given natural gift to us. Habits such as personal hygiene, eating right and how to greet and behave around other people.

Making home that promotes open communication
Some families with children with Down Syndrome are struggling with how to create an environment that is both accommodating and healthy for their child. One issue that some of the family members especially their sibling may not fully grasp how to communicate with D.S brother or sister.

I remember many a times Ryan younger brother Raynald was so frustrated with his habit of messing up the room after playing. I had to explain to Raynald why his big brother is the way he is and also to guide Ryan to keep his toys after playing until he does it automatically.
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