Fatimah lauds new programme for children to integrate socially

KUCHING: The Young Athlete Programme is a transformative plan for children with disabilities to showcase their leadership and communication skills

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that the programme allows interaction and communication among children with disabilities to show their abilities through games and sports.

She cited that Young Athletes programme provided an inclusive and affectionate environment for children aged 3 to 8 years old, who have intellectual disabilities.

This new programme initiated by Special Olympic Malaysia fosters teamwork and teaches basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing.

“Sports are a great way for the children to showcase their abilities. Today, let’s focus on their skills and enjoy watching them have fun. Every little step they take means a lot.

“Focus on our children, have fun and (let them) have bonding (sessions) among children, doesn’t matter if they cry, let them cry, (let them) show their emotions and express themselves,” she said.

Fatimah was speaking at the launching of the Young Athlete Porgramme at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound yesterday (July 13).

“We have to start from young, let them interact and communicate, I can see among some of them, they have leadership ability, there is potential and abilities that are in each and everyone of them,” she said.

She further explained the benefits of early sports introduction for physical activity, motor skill development, and social interaction.

Meanwhile, she said moving forward, there will be a programme where children with and without disabilities will come together to communicate and foster understanding.

“They (children with disabilities) should be given the necessary intervention to encourage them to be independent, the way forward is integration, meaning to bring our special children together, that is the next step we would like to see.

“Going forward, we will do a programme where there is integration among normal children and our children to ensure there is understanding among them,” she said.

Fatimah also stressed on the importance of creating a society that is empathetic.

“They learn better when they integrate with each other, research has shown that, social interaction and social integration works like today, we bring the children out whereby for two hours, no handphone,” she said on the benefits of creating such an environment.

Also present at the event was MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.