KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in establishing a Special Education Sports School (SSPK) in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, 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-related matters for disabled students with the potential to be para-athletes at the school, which is expected to be operational by 2025.
This is important for the process of classifying prospective para-athletes based on their disabilities, enabling them to compete in suitable categories from the school level onward and aiding their progression towards becoming more accomplished athletes.
“Proper classification is crucial in ensuring that the athletes will compete in the appropriate disability category. For example, one with no legs and another with a partial leg might be in different categories.
“Moreover, PCM has expertise in nurturing talent, from grassroots to the highest levels, and can ensure compliance with international rules and standards in competitions,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
On the types of sports, Megat said athletics will remain a focus, besides other sports with high medal potential internationally, like swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, and powerlifting.
As for goalball, its development started at SMK Pendidikan Khas in Setapak.
MOE Minister Fadhlina Sidek on Sunday (August 20) said the ministry is currently identifying appropriate sports for students with special education needs in the SSPK curriculum, which is still being developed to uncover the potential and talents of students with disabilities.
Megat added that PCM has also formulated a framework for the school, including necessary facilities like sports arenas and swimming pools.
“PCM actually mooted the concept of establishing schools for the PwD community. As a member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (MKBOKU), I then presented this proposal to them before bringing it to the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, and MOE.
“Alhamdulillah, MOE welcomed the proposal. This sports school is not only for developing talents in para-sports and Paralympics but also for other events like the Special Olympics World Games and Deaflympics,” he added.
— Bernama
