A TEAM of 22 Malaysian athletes will compete at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 that is happening in Berlin now (June 17-25).
Of these 22 athletes, 16 have intellectual disabilities (ID) and six are unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities). They will compete in swimming, bocce, badminton, athletics, table tennis and bowling.
Together with coaches, officials, and medical staff, the 39-member delegation is led by Dr Sivanesan Govindasamy, while Special Olympics Malaysia sports director Bong Koi Sin is assistant delegation head.
According to Bong, this World Games is the first where Team Malaysia has unified partners who will team up with ID athletes in three sports – bowling, bocce and badminton.
More than 7,000 athletes and delegations from 190 countries are now in Berlin for the Special Olympics World Games – the world's largest inclusive sports event for people with intellectual disabilities.
Mobile telecommunications service provider U Mobile is the main sponsor of the Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) team – in line with the company’s drive to celebrate the Malaysian spirit, in this case the Special Olympians.
For the team to stay connected, U Mobile provided all the members with its U Postpaid subscription featuring 5G or 4G data and free global roaming. In addition, the athletes will be enjoying the U Mobile experience with a brand new 5G device.
“U Mobile is delighted to be the main sponsor of the Special Olympics Malaysia team,” says U Mobile chief marketing officer Navin Manian.
“This year’s Special Olympics theme is #UnbeatableTogether and U Mobile is a strong believer of that ethos.
“We hope that this partnership raises awareness of our incredible Special Olympians and foster inclusion for all levels of ability.
“In the spirit of that, we wish Team Malaysia a great time competing at the games this year as we will definitely be rooting for them,” says Navin.
Dr Sivanesan, in thanking U Mobile for their efforts in promoting inclusion through sports, says this collaboration not only benefits the Malaysian delegates but also serves as “a powerful platform to amplify the voices of change within the intellectual disabilities community.”
“Although we are aiming for three gold medals, the most important thing is that our Special Olympians have the opportunity to compete on the same sporting platform together with the over 7,000 athletes from around the world.
“They will compete, and also experience joy, friendship, courage, and achievement together.”
Let us rally behind Team Malaysia at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 by posting our words of support on social media, using the official hashtags #UnbeatableTogether and #MYUnbeatableTeam.
To spread awareness and gather community support for the Special Olympics Malaysia team, and to also promote total inclusivity, U Mobile has created an Instagram AR filter whereby users can interact with and share to showcase their support. Check out the filter here.
For more information on Special Olympics Malaysia and their work with the intellectual disabilities communities, visit www.u.com.my/specialolympicsmalaysia or www.specialolympicsmalaysia.org.
