Don't wait for the games: S'wak minister calls for year-round health checks for Special Olympics athletes
Fatimah (centre) speaks during the press conference, while Tan (left) and Dr Toh (right) look on. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 3): All Special Olympics (SO) chapters across Sarawak should organise regular health screening programmes for their athletes, not just during major sporting events, said Sarawak Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
She emphasised that proactive and continuous health monitoring is crucial for safeguarding the well-being and future of Special Olympics athletes statewide.
'This kind of initiative should not be limited to during the State Games or Special Olympics.
'Each chapter must take the lead like Bintulu has done, organising their own Healthy Athletes Programme throughout the year,' she told a press conference at the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP) held at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here today.
This year's programme involves 358 athletes from five SO chapters—Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
So far, over 100 athletes have been screened by the HAP team led by Dr Toh Teck Hock.
Fatimah also highlighted concerning preliminary findings from the screenings, including young athletes with dangerously high blood pressure levels.
'For example, some have high blood pressure, as high as 150, even though they are still young.
'Without these screenings, they would go on with their lives unaware of these hidden health problems,' she said.
She noted that referral letters are issued on-site, enabling athletes to seek further medical attention.
'This is a valuable investment. Without screenings, many of them would never know they have health issues, much less receive treatment,' she said.
Fatimah also called for ongoing engagement in physical activities and good nutrition, beyond competitive events.
'We must ensure that our athletes are involved in physical activities not just during the State Games, but continuously.
'Physical activity and proper nutrition are key in addressing these health issues,' she said.
She acknowledged the challenges in instilling healthy habits among special needs children, especially dietary changes, but emphasised that family support, education, and structured physical programmes can make a meaningful difference.
'We try to give them access to get involved in sports activities, so it can enrich their lives.
'Through sports, we can empower them, provide a chance for the potential in this field of sports to shine and have a chance to be a champion, both at the chapter level, at the national level, or at the international level,' she added.
Also present was State Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Ministry's permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan. athletes fatimah abdullah health checks Special Olympics
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