Fatimah (standing fourth right), Dayang Mariani (on her right) join others in giving the thumbs up to the Special Olympics state bowling team. Also seen are Kuching bowlers (front row, left to right) Wan Mohd Alizuan, Muhd Zul Adly, Nur Syawani and Asyikin Farhana. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Ministry is thankful that the state government has given approval to appoint an officer to specifically look into sports development for the disabled.
Its minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said the ministry is serious in efforts to develop sports and games for the disabled.
She pointed out that to be an all-inclusive society, the disabled must be able to enjoy the same opportunities as the abled people, which include developing their talents and interest in sports and games.
“In order to maintain our state’s championship in the Malaysia Paralympic Games, we must have a proper plan.
“We must continue to search for new talents, and have action plans to develop new and existing talents with proper coaching and facilities,” she told a press conference after receiving a courtesy visit from the state’s Special Olympics tenpin bowlers at her office yesterday.
She added that the offer letter for the post will be sent out in March.
Fatimah also called on parents to send their disabled children to school and community-based rehabiliation centres (PDK).
“This allows the children to enjoy the basic right for education.
“Talents are there, but we need them to come forward and we also need to reach out to them,” she said.
The eight bowlers in the state team, which included four from Sibu, won nine gold and two silver in the recent inter-state tournament held in Penang.
Two Kuching bowlers Muhd Zul Adly and Nur Syawani won the Male and Female Best Bowlers awards.
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year and as a token for the victory, Fatimah presented red packets from Sarawak Special Olympics to the Kuching bowlers who were present. The Sibu bowlers had received theirs before the Chinese New Year holiday.
Also present were Sarawak Special Olympics Kuching Chapter chairperson Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain, Kuching coach Rohana Bujang and volunteers.