KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — The Malaysian Paralympic Council (PCM) is committed to working closely with the Education Ministry (MOE) in establishing a Special Education Sports School (SSPK) in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan.
Its president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin is confident PCM’s expertise and extensive experience can assist the MOE in coordinating sports 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 disability, enabling them to compete in suitable categories from the school level and aiding their progression towards becoming accomplished athletes.
“Proper classification is crucial in ensuring athletes will compete in the appropriate disability category. For example, one with no legs and another with a partial leg may be in different categories,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
On the types of sports, Megat said athletics will remain a focus, besides other sports with high international medal potential, like swimming, basketball, tennis, volleyball and powerlifting.
As for goalball, Megat said its development started at SMK Pendidikan Khas Setapak.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek on Sunday said the ministry is identifying appropriate sports for students with special needs in the SSPK curriculum, which is still being developed, with the aim to uncover the potential of students with disabilities.
Megat said PCM has formulated a framework for the SSPK, including facilities like sports arenas and swimming pools.
“The concept of establishing schools for the disabled community was mooted by PCM. As a member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, I presented this proposal to the council before bringing it to the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry and MOE.
“Praise be to God, MOE welcomed the proposal. This sports school is not only for developing talents in para-sports and the Paralympics, but also for other events like the Special Olympics World Games and Deaflympics,” he said.
— Bernama
