Kota Kinabalu: Special Olympics Sabah delivered an outstanding performance at the 6th Special Olympics Malaysia National Games, held in Bintulu, Sarawak, from April 24-26, returning home with an impressive total of 51 medals – 22 golds, 14 silvers and 15 bronzes.
One of the largest contingents ever fielded by Special Olympics Sabah, the team comprised 44 athletes, supported by 15 officials and 8 escorts, under the leadership of Head of Delegation Rusmani Binijin and Head Coach Willey Taluan.
Sabah athletes competed across six sporting disciplines – Track & Field, Aquatics, Bocce, Ten-Pin Bowling, Badminton, and Unified Football 5-A-Side – showcasing determination, sportsmanship and remarkable talent against competitors from across the country.
A total of 11 contingents participated in the Games, namely Sarawak, Sabah, Kedah, WP Labuan, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Melaka, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.
The Sabah contingent excelled in several events, with Track & Field emerging as the biggest contributor with 11 golds, followed by Bocce with 6 golds, Badminton with 3 golds and Ten-Pin Bowling with 2 golds.
Sabah Medal Breakdown: Track & Field: 11 golds, 5 silvers, 5 bronzes; Aquatics: 1 silver, 1 bronze; Bocce: 6 golds, 4 silvers; Ten-Pin Bowling: 2 golds, 3 silvers, 5 bronzes; Badminton: 3 golds, 1 silver, 4 bronzes and Unified Football 5-A-Side: 4th Place.
Speaking of the achievements, Taren Sunil Manoharan, an ardent supporter of Special Olympics Sabah who was personally present in Bintulu to support the Sabah contingent throughout the Games, praised the athletes and officials for their dedication and achievements.
“As one who has supported the aims and objectives of Special Olympics for many years, I am immensely proud that Special Olympics Sabah has achieved such meaningful success at the national level.
Our athletes have excelled not only in competition but also in embodying the true spirit of Special Olympics – courage, determination, inclusion and belief in one’s abilities.”
“Participation in these Games has strengthened confidence among our athletes, inspired greater self-belief and demonstrated the power of sport in uplifting individuals with intellectual and physical challenges.
More importantly, sport continues to be a powerful platform for promoting unity, friendship and understanding among communities from diverse races and backgrounds.”
Taren also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the coaches, officials, volunteers, escorts, and families whose sacrifice, encouragement and unwavering support helped make Sabah’s campaign a resounding success.
The recent accomplishments have proven that they have been doing a wonderful job.
He congratulated all the athletes for their inspiring performances and looks forward to seeing Special Olympics Sabah building on this momentum in future national and even international competitions.
“Together, they have shown that, with grit and determination, they can overcome all challenges,” said Taren.
