KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Paralympic Council (PCM) is committed to working closely with the Education Ministry (MOE) to establish a Special Education Sports School in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
Its president, Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin, is confident that PCM’s expertise and extensive experience can assist the MOE in coordinating sports-related matters for disabled students with the potential to be para-athletes at the school, which is expected to be operational by 2025.
He said this is important for the process of classifying prospective para-athletes based on their disabilities, enabling them to compete in suitable categories from the school level onward, and aiding their progression towards becoming more accomplished athletes.
“Proper classification is crucial in ensuring that the athletes will compete in the appropriate disability category. For example, one with no legs and another with a partial leg might be in different categories.
“Moreover, PCM has expertise in nurturing talent, from the grassroots to the highest levels, and can ensure compliance with international rules and standards in competitions,” he said.
On the types of sports, Megat said athletics will remain a focus, along with other sports with high medal potential internationally, like swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, and powerlifting.
As for goalball, Megat said that its development started at SMK Pendidikan Khas, Setapak.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said last Sunday that the ministry is currently identifying appropriate sports for students with special education needs in the Special Education Sports School curriculum, which is still being developed with the aim of uncovering the potential and talents of students with disabilities.
According to Megat, PCM has also formulated a framework for the school, including necessary facilities like sports arenas and swimming pools.
“The concept of establishing schools for the PwD community was actually mooted by PCM. As a member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, I then presented this proposal to them before bringing it to the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, and MOE.
“Alhamdulillah, MOE welcomed the proposal. This sports school is not only for developing talents in para-sports and Paralympics but also for other events like the Special Olympics World Games and Deaflympics,” he added. – August 22, 2023