Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsInternational
The Star
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia to host Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton in September
Fresh off the heels of hosting the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is now preparing to welcome another meaningful event - one that celebrates the sporting talents of athletes with intellectual Sept 16-21, the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition 2025 will take place, for the first time in Malaysia, at Dewan Sri Putra, Bukit Jalil, KL. The regional event provides athletes with intellectual disabilities a platform to compete at their own level, showcase their talents and promote true inclusivity in sports. Organised by Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM), the competition will see the participation of over 100 athletes from countries that include Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Papua New Guinea. There will be 32 Malaysian participants in the event. SOM, established in 1999, is a non-profit accredited by Special Olympics International - the world's largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Working with non-governmental organisations, schools and government agencies, SOM promotes inclusion through sports, health, education and community programmes. The aim is to celebrate abilities, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive society. The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition provides a vital platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents. Photo: 123rf SOM president Bong Koi Sin, 57, says the competition highlights the importance of recognising the talents of individuals with different abilities. "All this while, Malaysia has mostly played the role of a passenger at Asia Pacific-level competitions. When the opportunity came to host it, we grabbed it. We want to create greater awareness because athletes with intellectual disabilities are often overlooked. "There is a lot of attention given to the Olympics and Paralympics, but hardly any to this group, who include individuals with Down syndrome, autism and slow learners. Individuals with different abilities are citizens too and deserve the chance to be seen and supported," says Bong after the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with badminton racket label FLEXpro in KL on May 21. The company will support SOM athletes during the competition. Representing the sports brand was its director and executive vice president Sun Yan Hua. Bong, who has been a volunteer with SOM for 27 years, explained that the MoU marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide athletes with intellectual disabilities the resources they need to succeed in their athletic pursuits. "This collaboration represents a major step forward in empowering our athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level. We can provide them with the equipment and apparel that will not only enhance their performance but also boost their confidence on the field. We are deeply grateful for this generous contribution." Bong emphasised that the competition welcomes all participants regardless of gender, age or ability level. One doesn't need to be an athlete with SOM to participate in the event. Bong (left) and Sun during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony. "We want to give everyone a fair shot - whether they are low-, medium- or high-functioning. As long as they are able to participate, we will provide the opportunity," says Bong, a lecturer with Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Perempuan Melayu in Durian Daun, Melaka. SOM (Melaka) badminton coach Lee Zong Siang, 29, travelled from Bukit Berendam in Melaka for the MoU signing ceremony, accompanied by SOM (Melaka) deputy president and sports director Kristil Tan Ai Teng, along with their athletes Nur Syafiqah Mohamad Zanman, 22, and Pua Siew Shin, 21. Lee says his athletes have been training since January, and are very enthusiastic about the international event. "It is not just about winning. We want to give them a chance to build confidence, to see others like them, and enjoy the experience." Lee believes that with time, patience and passion, athletes with intellectual disabilities can thrive in sports. "You can train them - it just takes consistency. It's not something that happens overnight. It takes months of effort. During each lesson, I have to repeat the same things, over and over again. It might seem tedious but I know they can improve, if given the chance."
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Want to cool contempt's heat? Start by extending dignity to all, says Tim Shriver
Immigration. Deportations. Tariffs. To build — or not to build — 'The Wall.' DEI: Bad. DEI: Good. ... Those are just a few talking points on a long, ever-evolving list of issues triggering contempt across the country. And much of that contempt, typically directed toward someone with a differing opinion, is often grounded in misjudgment — 'getting it wrong' about another. 'But in our country today,' said societal Impact Scholar Tim Shriver, 'getting each other wrong is destroying the country. ... It's destroying our country because we have normalized a particular lens filter.' The chairman of Special Olympics International and co-creator of the Dignity Index, Shriver spoke on Tuesday at the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics forum. Shriver, who co-founded Project UNITE initiative, champions the power of extending dignity to all within one's family, community, workplace and country. His conviction: Treating others with dignity — regardless of their opinions, beliefs or political convictions — is the antidote for contempt. Many likely recognize Shriver's name. He's the son of Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, younger sister of President John F. Kennedy. In 2018, he founded UNITE to help ease division in the country. The nonprofit organization has developed the 'Dignity Index', an eight-point scale for measuring how people communicate with one another when they disagree — ranging from No. 1 (demonstrating absolute contempt for the 'other' side) to No. 8 (extending dignity to all, no matter what). During Tuesday's forum, Shriver warned of a 'filter on our lens' that says, 'I'm going to hate and dehumanize and treat with contempt' anyone that is different. 'We've developed a cultural addiction to contempt — and it's a big business,' he said. Shriver referenced the so-called 'outrage industrial complex' — a nested cycle that links and mutually supports the algorithm, partisan news and politics. 'The algorithm amplifies contempt,' he said. 'You get more of it ... the more you watch, the more you get — because it's addictive. Politicians are incentivized to give you more of it so that they can raise money and get power and get fame ... it's a beautiful little ecosystem that's bent on destroying the country — and honestly, it's a big business.' So if a person is, say, feeling 'super furious' — not about a particular issue or policy, but about a person or people or group — he or she 'is trapped in the outrage industrial complex.' The damage exacted by such contempt stretches beyond politics, he added. It tears apart families and personal relationships. It's a catalyst of pessimism, division, aggression and even violence. But despite the growing troubles caused by today's broad contempt — there's a bright side to the ledger. Writes social psychologist Donna Hicks: 'If indignity tears us apart, dignity can put us back together again.' Treating people with dignity when you disagree, said Shriver, 'is the single most powerful way of disarming the outrage industrial complex — changing the lens ... and allowing us to see each other with dignity, even when we disagree.' Disagreements, he added, are not a threat to democracy. They are actually the solution. Shriver cited studies that reveal that the majority of Americans actually possess an impulse to extend dignity and connect with those they disagree with. Most Americans (66%) believe they can learn much from interacting with people who are different from them. And almost three-quarters feel they have a responsibility to connect with people whose backgrounds and viewpoints are different from their own. Shriver shared with Tuesday's forum audience a primer of skills a person can use whenever they are in a disagreement with someone — whether it's about, say, open borders or simply where to eat dinner. 1. Be curious, not furious When there is a disagreement, approach it with curiosity, using language that invites dialogue. 2. Regulate then debate When you start to get upset, pause and take a breath before speaking. 3. Listen to understand, not respond Really listen to the other person and consider summarizing briefly what you heard. 4. Challenge ideas — don't attack people Speak your truth, but do it with dignity. 5. Acknowledge knowledge When someone else makes a logical or interesting point, acknowledge their point. 6. Build up rather than tear down Advocate, explain and build up your idea rather than attacking or dehumanizing others. Tuesday, Shriver encouraged University of Utah students to participate in building a 'dignity movement' to help save the country. 'This movement is essential to getting us out of the mess we're in — where our families are falling apart and our politics are destructive and the risk of violence is all around us,' he said. Shriver suggested utilizing social media platforms such as TikTok that create subcultures of connection, regardless of politics and differences.
Dubai Eye
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
UAE athletes win 16 Special Olympic medals in Turin
The Special Olympics UAE delegation won 16 medals, four gold, five silver and seven bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter in Turin. The medal tally is the best ever for a delegation from the MENA region at the Games. The 11-member UAE team competed across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding - the largest number of sports among delegations from across MENA, The UAE's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation's commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programs in the lead-up to the Games, including two training camps, one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025. UAE athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Program, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International's ongoing commitment to athlete health and development. With their performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the UAE team has reinforced the UAE's position as a global leader in promoting sports for People of Determination. Meena Al Mazrouei won gold in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding, silver in the Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding. Zulekha Al Mansoori secured gold in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing. Yousif Al Mulla won gold in the Novice-G Alpine Skiing and bronze in both the Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing. Kholoud Al Khoori won silver in the 500m Speed Skating and bronze in the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating. Abdullah Al Nuaimi won gold in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding. Salma Al Salami secured silver in the 200m Snowshoeing and bronze in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hazza Al Mehairbi won silver in the Figure Skating – Singles, while Ahmed Al Jilani won silver in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hamda Al Hosani came fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles and Khalifa Al Amiri can fourth in the Cross-Country Skiing.
ARN News Center
17-03-2025
- Sport
- ARN News Center
UAE athletes win 16 Special Olympic medals in Turin
The Special Olympics UAE delegation won 16 medals, four gold, five silver and seven bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter in Turin. The medal tally is the best ever for a delegation from the MENA region at the Games. The 11-member UAE team competed across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding - the largest number of sports among delegations from across MENA, The UAE's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation's commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programs in the lead-up to the Games, including two training camps, one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025. UAE athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Program, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International's ongoing commitment to athlete health and development. With their performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the UAE team has reinforced the UAE's position as a global leader in promoting sports for People of Determination. Meena Al Mazrouei won gold in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding, silver in the Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding. Zulekha Al Mansoori secured gold in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing. Yousif Al Mulla won gold in the Novice-G Alpine Skiing and bronze in both the Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing. Kholoud Al Khoori won silver in the 500m Speed Skating and bronze in the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating. Abdullah Al Nuaimi won gold in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding. Salma Al Salami secured silver in the 200m Snowshoeing and bronze in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hazza Al Mehairbi won silver in the Figure Skating – Singles, while Ahmed Al Jilani won silver in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hamda Al Hosani came fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles and Khalifa Al Amiri can fourth in the Cross-Country Skiing.
Arab Times
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Maryam's determination and confidence shine through Italy's Pragelato snow
TURIN, ITALY, March 12, (KUNA): Amidst the excitement at Pragelato Stadium in Turin, Italy, Maryam's radiant smile and unwavering self-confidence immediately stand out. With a determination that defies the region's heavy snow and challenging terrain, she embarks on her first competitive experience in cross-country skiing, following intensive training in Dubai and Cairo. Now, she proudly represents Kuwait at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games (Turin 2025). Maryam is no stranger to sporting achievements. She previously participated in the 2023 Berlin Summer Games, serving as the official spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa for Special Olympics International. Currently, she holds the title of Health Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa and is an active member of the Ambition Club for Intellectual Disabilities. Speaking to KUNA, Maryam Theyab reflected on her journey, recalling how she started her athletic career in schools affiliated with the Public Authority for the Disabled before joining the Ambition Club in Kuwait in 2018. This marked the beginning of her long and successful path in sports. Her first major international competition came in 2018 at the Jeddah Marathon, where she competed against 700 participants and secured second place. She then showcased her talents at the World Down Syndrome Championship in the Czech Republic, competing in the 100-meter run, shot put, and 100-meter walk. Maryam credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, as well as officials from the Kuwait Special Olympics, the Ambition Club, and various Kuwaiti sports bodies. With this encouragement, she continues to achieve remarkable milestones in both local and international sporting events. Beyond her accomplishments, Maryam is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of integrating people with intellectual disabilities into society and empowering them to reach their full potential. Looking ahead, she and her fellow athletes Hajar Al-Rashidi and Abdullah Al-Ali, who are also competing at Turin 2025, are determined to add another proud chapter to Kuwait's legacy in Special Olympics sports. Maryam concluded with a heartfelt message to parents: 'Support your children, believe in their dreams, and encourage them to strive for greatness.'
