KUCHING: Preparations for the hosting of the Special Olympics Malaysia 2026 National Games in Bintulu are reportedly proceeding smoothly, with the level of readiness now reaching nearly 90 per cent.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah stated that various aspects, including logistics, accommodation, transport, and the opening and closing ceremonies, have been meticulously planned to ensure the smooth running of the games.

“Despite rising costs, we continue to receive participation from foreign countries as well as athletes from Peninsular Malaysia who will be taking part in these games,” she said.

She said this during a press conference following the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) ceremony between SeDidik Sdn Bhd and ToyBox Creations and Technologies Sdn Bhd (ToyEight Holdings Inc.) at the One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC), Metrocity Matang on Tuesday.

The games, which are scheduled to run from April 24 to 26, are expected to gather over 700 participants, including athletes, coaches, and officials from 11 states and the Federal Territory.

A total of eight sports will be contested, including athletics, swimming, bocce, badminton, basketball, football, table tennis, and bowling, with all competitions held at several key locations around Bintulu.

Dato Sri Fatimah added that the selection of Bintulu as the main venue is based on the readiness of its complete sports facilities, while also taking into account the ongoing upgrading works of facilities in Kuching.

Commenting on the Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA), she stated that she would have to accept the Selangor Government's decision should it be postponed,however, she recommended that her ministry will still send competing athletes if the games proceed as planned.

In a related development, Dato Sri Fatimah informed that the location for the OSEIC programme in Samarahan has been identified, where it will become part of the Special Needs Community Complex.

She stated that the complex will provide comprehensive services encompassing early childhood intervention, vocational skills training, sports facilities, and residential placement for individuals with disabilities (OKU) who require care.

“It is aimed at meeting the needs of those with special requirements comprehensively, from birth until the end of life,” she explained.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Women and Early Childhood Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWKK), Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe, Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Dato Fenny Nuli, General Manager of SeDidik Sdn Bhd, Ayub Dahari, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Toy Eight, Shun Matsuzaka, and General Manager of OSEIC Sarawak, Dato Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo: Muhd Naseem