KUCHING (July 1): The Special Olympics Sarawak team secured 16 gold, 14 silver, and nine bronze medals at the 2nd Special Junior Development Sports Carnival 2025 in Ipoh, Perak on June 27-30.

The national-level event, which was organised under Special Olympics Malaysia, served to promote inclusivity and sporting excellence among young athletes with intellectual disabilities over four days of competition in four sports.

Sarawak sent a 74-member contingent with coaches and chaperones from five chapters — Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu.

The squad saw a balanced haul with athletes contributing four medals each from the four sports of athletics, bocce, basketball, and badminton.

Special Olympics Kuching Chapter president Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain, who led the delegation, expressed pride in the team’s achievements.

“The children did very well and we’re all very happy with their performance in spite of their disadvantages,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted, adding that the experience was both meaningful and encouraging for the athletes.

She also extended her appreciation to the government for supporting the trip.

”Our trip is funded by the government through the Ministry for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKMS). We thank them for their support,” she added.

2nd Special Junior Development Sports Carnival 2025 Dayang Mariani Abang Zain Special Olympics