IPOH: Perak will host the inaugural national-level Special Children Games 2024.
Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee said the event would be held at the state Youth and Sports Department Complex here from 9am to 6pm on Aug 3.
"We initially planned to host it at the state level.
"However, we received interest from several other states and territories, including Penang, Putrajaya, Sarawak, Melaka and Selangor, all wanting to participate," he told a press conference here on Friday (July 26).
"We hope this event can be held annually to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports," he said, adding that the event would feature about 400 participants aged 18 and below, with 220 from the state.
Lee said the event is jointly organised by his office and Persatuan Penggerak Rekreasi Sejahtera Ipoh in collaboration with Perak Special Olympics, the state sports council, the state Youth and Sports Department and state Education Department.
"This is a significant milestone with the involvement of individuals with disabilities.
"While we have achieved public awareness for the Paralympics and deaf sports, sports for special children have not yet reached that level.
"This event aims to provide opportunities and to open up sports to all children, including special children, who currently have fewer opportunities," he said.
The games will include athletics, ping pong, bocce, and badminton, he said.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh are expected to open the event.
Perak Special Olympics president G. Sivanesan said sport is an important platform for socialisation and mental development.
"There are three categories: high, middle, and low disability.
"Those involved have conditions such as autism and Down Syndrome," he said.
"The criteria for entry are that participants must have a physical or intellectual (learning) disability," he added.
Sivanesan also said admission to the event is free and additional activities such as sports science talks, eye check-ups and Rahmah sales will be held in conjunction.
"We welcome the public to show their support and take part in the other activities," he said.
