Abilympics 2027: Calling all talented Malaysians with disabilities

Khatijah (left) and Isaiah at the launch of the Abilympics Awareness Campaign. Photos: Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continues to captivate audiences worldwide, an exciting new initiative has just been launched for people with disabilities. The Malaysian Council for Rehabilitation (MCR) and the National Council of Welfare and Social Development Malaysia (MAKPEM) have launched the Abilympics Awareness Campaign to promote the 11th Abilympics, set to be held in Helsinki in 2027.

The Abilympics is an international skills-based competition for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), derived from the term "Olympics of Abilities". Like the Olympics, the Abilympics is held once every four years.

The MCR coordinates the Abilympics competition in Malaysia, selecting qualified participants with disabilities to represent the country in international competitions.

MCR president Datin Paduka Khatijah Suleiman says these experiences have helped participants realise their dreams, secure better job opportunities and improve their living standards.

Nur Amiratul dedicates her medal to her family, friends and Malaysia.

"The MCR hopes for support from all parties to empower, equip and integrate people with disabilities into society inclusively, enabling them to contribute effectively to the community," said Khatijah during the launch in Kuala Lumpur recently. Also attending the launch was Senator Isaiah D. Jacob.

Khatijah added, "We want to ensure that no one with a disability is left behind. Our goal is to raise awareness of this competition across all states. Once we select the national level winners, we will begin intensive training starting in 2026. We hope to raise additional funds to allow us to send two participants per category."For the upcoming competition, Abilympics Malaysia is looking for fresh talents to vie for gold at the event. Among the 16 categories in the competition are embroidery, floral arrangement, painting, cooking and photography.

To date, 46 participants from Abilympics Malaysia have competed in six Abilympics competitions across various countries, bringing home 14 medals and seven special awards.

At the 10th Abilympics in Metz, France, Muhammad Hanif Naufal Mohd Mazni, 23, who has a learning disability, earned a bronze medal and an excellence award in the restaurant service category.

Deaf artist Nur Amiratul Farahin Ab Rahman, 26, won a silver medal in the painting and waste/reuse category, while deaf baker Wan Muhammad Hafizunif Wan Roslan, 28, secured a bronze medal in the cake decorating category. Additionally, deaf crafter Anis Humairah Riduwan, 22, received an excellence award in the embroidery category.

These inspiring individuals demonstrate that with the right vocational training and support, anyone can achieve their full potential, regardless of their disability.

Anis is living proof that people with disabilities have a chance to excel to earn a living and live independently. — The Star/Yap Chee Hong

The Abilympics is not only a competition but also a showcase of the high-quality work produced by individuals with disabilities. These events play a crucial role in boosting self-confidence and sending a powerful message that disabilities should not hinder anyone from achieving their goals.

Participants will first be selected to compete at the state level, then progress to the national competition. From there, they will receive training at various vocational centres and universities across the country to further develop their skills.

To support them, MAKPEM and MCR conduct training, helping them develop various skills and competencies, as well as sharpen their entrepreneurial skills.

Khatijah explained that the cost of sending one participant to the International Abilympics competition in Helsinki is approximately RM15,000. This amount covers training, flights and accommodation.

"We are grateful to our training partners, who provide their services as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The training itself is voluntary, and we cover the cost of materials. This support helps us ensure that our participants' skills and confidence are on par with international standards."

For more details, call 019-331 6409 (Aida) or email [e-mail]