By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: About 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID), aged between eight and 16, from across Perak and several other states are expected to compete in the inaugural Perak Open Special Olympics ID Athletics Championship 2026 on July 11.
The championship, which will begin at 8.30am at SMK Gunung Rapat (Perak State Sports School), is jointly organised by the Ipoh Prosperous Recreation Movement Association (PPRSI), Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH), Special Olympics Perak and the Perak State Education Department.
The event aims to identify and develop sporting talent among individuals with intellectual disabilities and those with lower physical abilities, while promoting inclusive sports and healthy living.
PPRSI chairman Shanker Retinam said the championship is more than just a sporting event, serving as a platform to build self-confidence, strengthen social integration and prepare athletes for higher-level competitions.
“We hope this championship will create more opportunities for athletes with special needs to develop their talents and serve as a pathway to national and international Special Olympics competitions,” he said.
A total of seven events will be contested across two categories, Intellectual Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities with Low Physical Ability, including the 100m, 50m, long jump, standing long jump, shot put, softball throw and the 4x100m relay.
One of the championship’s unique features is the implementation of the Divisioning system, an internationally recognised Special Olympics classification method that groups athletes according to their current abilities to ensure fair, meaningful and safe competition.
Meanwhile, PCSH chief executive officer Nicholas Chan said the community hospital remains committed to supporting community development through programmes that integrate healthcare, education and social well-being.
He said members of the public attending the event will also be able to participate in aerobics sessions and undergo free health screening provided by PCSH.
Organisers have invited the public to attend the championship and show their support for the athletes while promoting the values of inclusion, equality and courage embodied by the Special Olympics movement.
