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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Express
Focus on abilities, not shortcomings of special needs kids, says Jeffrey
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Jeffrey lighting the tournament torch at the 13th MSSS Special Education Athletics Championship. TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister 1, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan called on the community and the private sector not to look at the shortcomings of special needs children but at their abilities. He said they need to be more proactive in supporting any sports events that are held in the state. Advertisement 'I see that special needs children are not just a hope but are a source of pride for all of us,' he said when officiating the 13th Sabah School Sports Council (MSSS) Special Education Athletics Championship (KOPK) at the Sports Complex here on Monday. He said the government always supports efforts like this because it believes that every child, including students with special needs, has their own potential to excel in various fields – including sports. Jeffrey, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, stressed that the government, through its education and human development policies, has never marginalized special children. He said that in the youth development plan, including the State Budget, special allocations are always provided to strengthen special education – including in terms of facilities, teacher training, and personality development programs. Advertisement 'I also intend to see more programs like this continued and expanded to the national level so that Sabah becomes an example of an inclusive state that leaves no one behind,' he said. He reminded all the athletes who will compete that they are strong-willed warriors because it was not easy for them to get to this point, and they have all already won, they successfully overcame obstacles, constraints and personal challenges. Jeffrey, who is also the Tambunan Assemblyman, said that this tournament is not just a sports event but a symbol of strength, inclusiveness and humanity in the true sense. According to him, this proves that the fighting spirit, perseverance and determination of children with special needs should never be underestimated. He hopes that more parties will open up spaces and opportunities for special children to continue to shine. A total of 736 special athletes, along with 444 coaches and accompanying officers from all 24 districts in Sabah, participated in this tournament. Also present at the event were the Director of the Sabah Education Department, Datuk Haji Raisin Saidin, Senior Assistant Director of the Special Education Sector of the Sabah Education Department, Hajah Bernadette John, District Education Officer, Dr. Haison Jahudin, District Officer, Sobitun Makajil, District Education Officers and Deputy District Education Officers as well as heads of Sabah and Federal government departments, school principals, headmasters, teachers and parents. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Young Kota Kinabalu gymnasts strut their stuff
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Jozie John Text Size: The young gymnasts who showcased their skills at the meet. Kota Kinabalu: The energetic movements of 68 young gymnasts took centre stage at the 2025 Kota Kinabalu District School Sports Council (MSSD) Artistic Gymnastics Championship, held at the Likas Sports Complex. The event highlighted the remarkable potential of the district's junior athletes. Over two action-packed days, the Gymnastics Hall was filled with cheers and a strong sense of camaraderie as gymnasts from 23 schools competed passionately for a coveted spot in the Sabah School Sports Council (MSSS) championship. Organised by Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Stella Maris, the tournament, which took place on April 21-22, was divided into four categories: Boys Under-12, Boys Under-15, Girls Under-12 and Girls Under-15. The events contested included Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise, Vault, Pommel Horse and Parallel Bars. In his opening remarks, SK Stella Maris headmaster James Johnny expressed gratitude to all those involved in ensuring the success of the event, including teachers, coaches, judges, and parents. 'This year's MSSD tournament was incredibly intense. Every gymnast gave their best performance, and it's clear that there is immense potential among the young athletes in Kota Kinabalu,' he said. A total of 24 gymnasts were selected to represent the district at the (MSSS) championship next month. Additionally, 12 gymnasts from the Under-18 category have automatically qualified for the MSSS competition. James also highlighted the importance of consistent training and the vital role of coaches in shaping athletes who are not only skilled but also disciplined and focused on improving their performance. 'The results we see today are the fruit of continuous training, dedication, and the careful selection of athletes by our coaches. Parental support also plays a key role in the development of these young athletes,' he said. The tournament adhered to the regulations set by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF), and the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM). James said that the main aim of the tournament was to identify young talent and spark interest in gymnastics at the school level. 'By participating in this tournament, students not only develop their athletic abilities but also contribute to their Physical Activity, Sports, and Co-Curricular Assessment (PAJSK) scores. Most importantly, it fosters a spirit of sportsmanship among the students,' he added. The event was officiated by the Kota Kinabalu district deputy education officer (student development sector), Bunsu Gaga, who commended the dedication and enthusiasm shown by both the participants and organisers. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
