SANDAKAN: Parents with disabled children (OKU) are advised to expose them to sports activities like other normal children.
The Director of the Sabah Youth and Sports Department (Federal), Apui Jan said the Ministry of Youth and Sports gives equal opportunities to all children who have potential in sports.
He advised parents not to be shy to expose their disabled children, who may become para-athletes.
Apui said this after officiating the sports talent programme such as Inspire i-Talent OKU Programme at the Sabah State Level 2023 at the Sports Complex.
The programme was first introduced by the government since 2014 with the aim of finding sponsors for para sports.
“This is vital because we lack back-up athletes in para sports,” he said.
Disabled children in Sabah are capable of giving their best in competition because Sabah emerged champion in the Para Sukma Games in 2022, he said.
More than 80 participants from nine schools including three from community education centres and public participants with parents, guardians and teachers took part in the programme.
Participants took fitness tests in running, agility, static balance, standing long jump and basketball throw and also took part in badminton, chess, table tennis, field bowling and athletics.
