Govt bodies should help disabled to excel – Fatimah

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WELL DONE : Fatimah handing over the ‘The 8th Special Olympics Singapore National Games’ certificate to a representative of the Special Olympics athletes.

SIBU: Government departments and agencies should make an effort to interact with the community at large to help create a dynamic and caring society.

Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said they could do this by, among others, supporting children and youths with disabilities so that this group of people could excel in their respective endeavours.

Speaking at the Special Olympics Sarawak annual general meeting here recently, Fatimah noted that 90 per cent of the state’s Special Olympics’ athletes received home-base training.

“So, do not forget to invest in the development of home-based training programmes and local competitions.”

Programmes which deserved everyone’s support include Athlete Leadership, Unified Sports Events with Schools, Youth and Parents, and Young Athletes Programme for the under-7, she added.

On a related matter, Fatimah said 2013 was an eventful year with many international and regional meets participated by Special Olympics athletes from the state. These included the Borneo Cup, Special Olympics World Winter Games in Korea, and Singapore National Games.

She thanked the coaches, volunteers and athletes for bringing honours to the state over the years.

“Coaches and volunteers are still important working arms of the Special Olympics movement in Sarawak.”

Jason Tai, the vice president of Special Olympic Malaysia and Special Olympic Sarawak, was among those present.