198 participate in Sabah Special Olympics
SANDAKAN: A total of 198 athletes from seven districts in Sabah took part in Sabah Special Olympics 2018 held at the sports complex here, yesterday.
The athletes were from Kuala Penyu, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Kudat, Tenom, Tawau and Sandakan.
The competition was graced by Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Ir. James Wong.
In his opening speech, Wong said the Special Olympics World Winter Games involved around 2,700 athletes from 107 nations around the world, adding: “We should all be very proud of the achievements of our two Sabah girls who have brought pride and joy to Sabah and Malaysia.
“Therefore, all participants of today’s game should be happy to know that you have champions among you. If you train harder, you too can be a champion one day,¨ Wong said, yesterday.
He said this year was also the 20th anniversary of the formation of Special Olympics Sabah.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate your organisation for 20 years of continuous service to our society, especially those who are disadvantaged,” he added.
Also present were the chairman of Special Olympics Sandakan cum deputy chairman of Sabah Special Olympics, Taren Sunil Manoharan and deputy chairperson of Sandakan Special Olympics, Maria Julianna Chang.
Taren Sunil said that in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of SOS, the Sandakan Branch of SOS would be welcoming three news patrons at a fellowship dinner which was held last night.
“The three newly appointed patrons are long-serving committee members who have worked with selfless dedication to promote and support the activities of SOS over many years,” he said.