Healthy Athletes Programme bridges healthcare gap for Special Olympics participants in Sarawak
KUCHING (May 2): The Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP), held in conjunction with the Sarawak Special Olympics Games 2025, plays a vital role in narrowing the healthcare gap for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
In stating this, Sarawak Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah said the programme is instrumental in addressing the significant challenges that athletes with IDD face in accessing quality healthcare.
These challenges, she said, include communication barriers, inadequate training among healthcare providers, dietary restrictions, social stigma, and low health literacy.
'By training the healthcare professionals to conduct specialised health screenings and education, the Healthy Athletes Programme ensures that every athlete receives the attention and care they need,' she said during the launch ceremony at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya here today.
Organised under the Special Olympics Sarawak banner, in partnership with the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), the initiative provides free health screenings and education in a supportive environment for athletes.
It is supported by more than 150 volunteers, including health professionals from various facilities under the Ministry of Health (MoH) and JKNS, academic institutions, social organisations, and the private sector.
Dr Veronica noted that despite data showing that individuals with IDD face higher rates of preventable health issues, they remain one of the most underserved groups in healthcare.
The HAP, she explained, helps close this gap by equipping healthcare providers with empathy, understanding, and skills to deliver inclusive, rights-based care.
'I admire the motivation shown by the volunteers. It is a reflection of empathy for the unique needs of this special group of athletes,' she said.
She further noted that the programme aligns with the MoH's commitment to inclusive healthcare through its National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Disease (NSP-NCD) 2016–2025 and the Healthcare for Persons with Disabilities Policy.
Participants included students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Segi College, Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, Lions Club members, and other volunteers – some of whom travelled from as far as Miri.
'Let us use this opportunity not merely to offer a service, but to drive a transformative shift in our view of health equity and inclusion.
'Together, we must ensure our special athletes are empowered, healthy, and celebrated in every aspect of their lives,' she said.
Also present was Special Olympics Sarawak HAP director Dr Toh Teck Hock. Healthy Athletes Programme Kuching Sarawak Special Olympics Games
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