Kota Kinabalu: Teachers’ patience, parents’ support, and everyone else’s confidence go a long way towards giving children with special needs the drive to achieve success in their ambitions.
“I believe the task of guiding children with special needs is not an easy task, but thanks to the patience of the teachers, the encouragement of the parents, and the support from all quarters, those with special needs can be at par with everyone else,” said State Education Deputy Director (Planning and Management Sector) Mohd Zaini Yanin.
He said this during the closing ceremony of the 2nd State-level cross-country tournament for special education pupils hosted by the Sabah Sports Council at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s field, here, recently.
In keeping with the intention of organising the competition to balance educational opportunities, he urged educators to continue their collaboration in order to highlight the talent, performance, and excellence of children with special needs.
“To all the teachers, thank you, and keep up the good work in guiding these remarkable people. With your encouragement, you are able to show the world that these gifted kids are capable of making a name for themselves alongside other people,” he said.
“Lack in themselves (special people) is a privilege conferred, not an obstacle. Every person in this world is born with their unique rights and talents, in my opinion,” he said.
He added that it simultaneously highlighted their talent and confidence equivalent to mainstream pupils, and he also expressed his enthusiasm for the abilities demonstrated by special students in this event.
Meanwhile, a total of 217 participants from 24 zones participated in the event which featured six contested categories involving the ages of under 12 years, under 15 years, and under 19 years.
Pensiangan Zone emerged as the overall winner and will represent Sabah at the national level tournament.
The second and third places were won by the Ranau Zone and the Listening Zone, respectively.
