The achievement of the Malaysian team winning six gold medals at the recent Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles highlights the willpower and dedication portrayed by people with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Malaysia president Jayasingh Rajiah stated that the six gold medals came through Darien Lum (men’s 100m and long jump), Chia Yuan Sheng (women’s 100m), Clarence Junis (50m Freestyle swimming), Muhamad Umar Hafiy Mohd Firuz (golf), Md Isamudin Mohd Samsudin and Toh Hong Hui (men’s tenpin bowling).
On top of that, the national team also took home eight silver and seven bronze medals from the Games, which was held from July 25 to August 2.
“It was not easy to match the heights of the previous Games, which was four years ago, but our athletes showed a high level of determination despite many of them training on their own. What’s more surprising is these athletes are participating in the Games for the first time, and they have done beyond our expectations,” he told Bernama.
Jayasingh added that the association took up all the cost regarding the Malaysian squad’s participation, but was quick to thank the support from Youth and Sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin for giving a helping hand.
With Team Malaysia at @SpecialOlympics opening ceremony at #LA2015. Malaysia boleh! pic.twitter.com/EbcVK41p1y
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) July 26, 2015
Meanwhile, two gold medallist Darien Lum hopes to be able to represent the country in the Paralympics.
“I did not expect to win, what more gain two gold medals. My coach urged me to give my best out there, and I’m glad I did. After winning, I called my parents immediately. I dedicate this win to them, who have been my pillar of support since day one,” said the 20-year-old from Kajang.
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