Disabled liberated by opportunity to compete alongside able-bodied

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THE NEED for wheelchairs or walking aids to get around did not deter 20 disabled people from participating in a marathon, albeit a shortened version, alongside able-bodied competitors.

The disabled group from Persatuan Pemuliharaan Sultan Azlan Shah took part in the inaugural Mini Olympics sports carnival with 600 primary and secondary school students from all over Perak.

The association’s social and community development unit head M. Barathy Devi said it was the first time the students were competing in games with able-bodied individuals.

Refreshing start: (Second from left to right) Anderson, Olympic Council of Malaysia vice president Rear Admiral Datuk Danyal Balagopal, Ibrahim and SMK Gunung Rapart principal Saidin Osman watering the trees as an opening gesture for the inaugural Mini Olympics.

They took part in athletics, cross-country running, football, basketball, cycling and volleyball.

“Before this, our members had only taken part in games with their peers.

“The Mini Olympics has given them the opportunity to compete with able-bodied individuals and interact with the community,” she said during the recent event at the SMK Gunung Rapat mini stadium in Ipoh.

One of them, Sypol Bahari, 54, who is wheelchair-bound, said it was liberating to be able to play floor volleyball with a team of able-bodied students.

“Not only did we get to mingle, we got to show our potential as sportsmen and sportswomen.

Return to position: A disabled group from Persatuan Pemulihan Sultan Azlan Shah leaving the field after the opening ceremony.

“I am glad to have been a small part of the Olympics through this event rather than just watching it on television,” he said.

The event was organised by students who had undergone youth sports leadership training under the International Inspiration programme organised by the British Council.

In his speech, British Council Malaysia country director Gavin Anderson said many of life’s lessons were learned through sports.

“The Mini Olympics has provided them with a platform to learn about teamwork, cope with pressure and deal with success or failure in life,” he said.

Education Ministry curriculum development division director Datuk Ibrahim Mohamad opened the event by firing a paintball at a balloon before a torch that was used for the 2008 Beijing Olympics was lit and carried around the stadium as a gesture of honour to the actual games.