Sunway University Sends Off Special Olympics Malaysia Team to Berlin World Games 2023
Given its ever-growing reputation as a Campus With A Conscience, Sunway University was proud to have been selected as the venue host for the Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) Team send-off ceremony as they embarked on their journey to the Berlin World Games 2023, which took place from the 17th to 25th June. The event was graced by the presence of YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, Law Saw Yin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia, and Professor Dato’ Dr Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education Group, as well as athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers who gathered to express their support and best wishes for the Malaysian athletes.
The SOM Team, comprising 16 exceptional athletes with intellectual disabilities, had been preparing for this opportunity for the past 10 months since the National Games. This international platform presented a once-in-a-lifetime chance for these athletes, who participated in the world’s largest all-inclusive sports event, involving more than 7000 athletes from approximately 190 countries.
The journey of these athletes had been filled with unique challenges long before the National Games, and their presence in the auditorium, proudly donning the national colors, marked a moment of great pride for the nation, their families, and everyone involved. Aligned with its highly acclaimed “Campus With a Conscience” values, Sunway University acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the athletes’ local programs and respective trainers.
YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, said, “For the Malaysian athletes today who wore the jerseys, when you went to Berlin, I wanted you to know that Malaysia stood behind you, supporting you. Most importantly, have fun and gain experience, look at what other people are doing around the world and learn from them.” YB Hannah Yeoh also expressed that the ministry would continue to support Special Olympics Malaysia on a regular basis beyond the world games.
Law Saw Yin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia, said, “We were very happy that day as we had the other four strong pillars witnessing the accomplishment of the special athletes: the families, the coaches, the volunteers, and the sponsors and partners. The sponsors, partners, and every one of you were important and were the crucial support that elevated our Special Olympics athletes to fulfill their potential, helping them to go beyond disability, to abilities.”
The Malaysian team proudly represented the three regions of Malaysia: Peninsula, Sarawak, and Sabah. These athletes were accompanied by dedicated coaches and unified partners who had trained and played alongside them in unified sports. The presence of unified partners, six of whom were present at the send-off ceremony, highlighted the power of inclusion and the role that individuals without intellectual disabilities played in fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Professor Dato’ Dr Elizabeth Lee, Group Chief Executive of Sunway Education Group, said, “Sunway Education Group is committed to the UNSDGs, as part of our commitment, we constantly made efforts to pave the way forward for a shared vision of peace and prosperity for people and the planet. We were privileged to be given this opportunity to give our 22 athletes a grand send-off to the Special Olympic World Games Berlin 2023. Give your best and also take back the best of experiences, memories, and friendships.
