WIRED TO BE DIFFERENT
SIMON KOH, REGIONAL PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, ASIA PACIFIC REGION, ON HOW THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT ABILITIES CAN BE PROMISING ATHLETES
Having more than 210 million people in the world with intellectual disability, the attention given to them is few and far between. Simon Koh of Special Olympics, the sports organisation that provides training to individuals with intellectual disabilities, stresses on the need for special children to come out and have their own group.
WHAT’S THE AGENDA FOR THE YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAMME AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
The idea is to allow special children, between two and seven, to play together in a fun and inclusive environment, and to end discrimination against them. The Young Athletes Programme benefits them by developing their motor skills, social and learning skills necessary for primary level education, along with fostering a sense of community between parents of children with and without intellectual disability. It acts as a feeder programme for Special Olympics sports training programmes teaching tolerance and acceptance to children along with their families, caregivers and their communities. The programme includes active games, songs and activities that involve key skill areas such as foundation skills, walking and running, balance and jumping, trapping and catching, throwing, striking and kicking.
HOW DO SPORTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE SPECIAL CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?
Sports bring together people of different abilities and help them understand human relations better. In sports, there is learning, not only in skills but also in disciplines, in knowing how to take turns, be patient and how to ask questions. I would like to think of this as four Cs: coordination, cooperation, communication and competitiveness.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES THAT ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAMME?
More than half of our athletes have Down’s Syndrome but we also have those with cerebral palsy and individuals with below-70 IQ level. The Young Athletes Programme caters exclusively to intellectual disability. Through the programme, we have started the process where athletes with special abilities can interact with ‘normal people’. It’s like an entry point to make others see who they are and what they are capable of so that they can progress in life. The problem about marginalisation is the limit to the number of opportunities. The programme gives them the space to come up and get involved in activities that would increase their confidence, competence, and confidence.
WHAT ABOUT THE STRUGGLES TO PROMOTE SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN INDIA?
The biggest problem is awareness. In India, the education process has to be ongoing for understanding the special needs of individuals, since by and large, they get marginalised. The main thing is the number of people and educational opportunities as 90 per cent with special needs do not go to school. A few are aware that they can register and participate in Special Olympics activities through their schools or by contacting the Special Olympics Bharat State Office in Delhi directly.
WHAT ARE THE CAREER PROSPECTS FOR PLAYERS?
Sports being the means for our athletes to gain self-confidence and fitness, the aim of Special Olympics is to prepare them for life off the playing field. Starting with quality coaching in their chosen sport, we provide them with the opportunity to compete at the World Games, with other athletes of similar ability. Athletes can also progress to become leaders, receiving training in speech and presentation for better employment opportunities. An athlete leader can also rise to the ranks of global international messenger where they act as advocates for the movement on a global stage. THE EDUCATION PROCESS IN INDIA HAS TO BE ONGOING FOR UNDERSTANDING THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS
HOW MANY TIE-UPS HAVE BEEN DONE AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME?
Special Olympics Bharat, the national sports federation which conducts Special Olympics Programmes in India, has partnered with Amity University, Noida, to carry out research and to evaluate the impact of the programme. Additionally, arrangements at state level have been made to ensure that there are more children, with and without intellectual disabilities, as part of this initiative. States such as West Bengal and Haryana have signed agreements with their respective state authorities to blend the programme with the SSAs (Sarva Shiksha Abhyans). Regionally, Special Olympics has partnered with the Ikea Foundation in their “Let’s Play for Change” campaign with the aim to introduce 3.5 lakh children from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand to the Young Athletes programme.
WHAT PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES SHOULD DO?
They need to be supportive. Most parents who have the other child who is ‘normal’ tend to invest more in the child thinking there will be returns while those with ‘special needs’ are neglected. If you look at the economic part of it, that may be the case, but I think we are a compassionate society, and the love should cut across. Children with intellectual disability require protection because they are a subject of bullying. They require understanding and support from the family.
SOME TIPS YOUNG ATHLETES MUST KEEP IN MIND WHILE TRAINING?
They should be focused and must try to understand instructions and ask questions. They need to be disciplined. They must be punctual and make use of the opportunity, be friends with their coaches and fellow athletes because they would help them in their life. And they need to widen their circle in order to rejoin the society, the sooner they get independence, the better.