Born with Down Syndrome, Megan Tang first joined Special Olympics Singapore as a Young Athlete in 2010. Young Athletes are an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 years old. Over the years, Megan discovered her passion for dance, embracing movement with boundless energy and enthusiasm. When Special Olympics Singapore kickstarted its Latin Dancesport outreach, she found her rhythm and purpose.

Dance became her happy place, and as Megan, has previously put it, “I feel happy, relaxed, and calm when I dance.” Since then, her lively performances and infectious smile have lit up countless stages and events.

As More recently, the nineteen-year-old showcased her talent on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy earlier this year. In the presence of an audience consisting of thousands, she confidently recited the Athletes’ Oath during the opening ceremony, reinforcing her growth and confidence as a young athlete leader. Her triumph in earning a silver medal in the Ballroom Traditional Mixed category further added another proud accomplishment to her sporting career.

Behind Megan’s success is a constant source of encouragement – her mother, Jasmine Lai, as well as her family. From the very beginning, Jasmine has believed in her daughter’s potential, steadfastly standing by her side through every step of her journey.

When Jasmine first received the diagnosis that her daughter had Down Syndrome, it was unexpected, but the news also came with an outpouring of love, as she recalled, “During the first trimester of our pregnancy, the doctor broke the news to us. But it was also through these scans that we saw a little hand waving at us, and we were very touched. We knew then – this is the one we must be with. She’s really a miracle of life.”

That deep love and belief have remained constant through every challenge and achievement. As Megan stood on the podium in Turin, silver medal in hand, Jasmine’s pride was immeasurable – not just because of her daughter’s win, but also because of everything it represented.

“Megan, you asked me if it’s okay that you got second place. Of course, it is. Because you’ve done your part, and we all support you. This is the best moment – one of the proudest moments of our lives.”

For Jasmine, Megan’s success has never been about rankings or medals. It has always been about her growth, confidence, and the sheer joy of doing what she loves. At every stage, Jasmine has reminded her that giving her best is what truly matters.

Dipak Natali, President & Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific echoes this sentiment. “Games like this offer us stability – stability in community, stability in understanding each other, and a reminder of what the beautiful spectrum of life should be. That’s what we stand for and celebrate here.”

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The idea for the cafe came from Sharon Lee’s concern for her daughter, Su Anne, a Special Olympics Malaysia athlete, who is globally delayed and has an attention deficit disorder. Global developmental delay (GDD) is a condition that occurs when a child has significant delays in multiple areas of development. Sharon explains further, “I wanted to create a space for her where she has a job and is independent.” Her idea resonated with other mothers of PWIDs, some of whom were Special Olympics Malaysia athletes as well, who wanted to provide them with the opportunity to thrive. Sharon adds, “We’re not looking at making lots of money. It’s more for them to be able to do some work, instead of sitting at home.”

For many people with disabilities, finding employment can seem arduous due to societal bias, discrimination and limited opportunities. Tender Hearts offers a rare alternative- a space where young people with intellectual disabilities can develop essential work skills and social confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. “It gives our kids the opportunity to be in the working world, to go out, meet with people, and interact,” says Siti Mariam, another mother involved with the cafe.

Despite the lack of experience in running a food business, the mothers of Tender Hearts pushed forward. “We were not trained,” says Siti. “Sharon is good at cooking, but we’ve never run a cafe.” Yet, every step forward, from baking cookies to running bazaars, was an accomplishment. This drive to create something sustainable and productive for their children has turned into a thriving space where youth gain skills and take pride in their work—no matter how small the tasks are, like wiping tables or serving customers. 

Explaining the connection with Special Olympics Malaysia, Sharon shared how the former national director of Special Olympics Malaysia had volunteered at the café to support the PWIDs. The then director also recognised the potential in Su Anne, mentored her, and provided her with a public speaking opportunity to share her story at a Special Olympics Malaysia public event. Sharon recalled, “I was nervous at first, but when the opportunity was offered, I was so happy that Sue Anne wanted to do it.”

One such young person is Azri, who has been working at Tender Hearts for several years. He’s seen significant growth in his independence. “I like to serve. I like to wash. I can teach everyone,” Azri says proudly. Sharon adds, “He’s independent now. He knows when to clock in, where to put his bags, and what he needs to do next.”

For many of the youth at Tender Hearts, their jobs go beyond just getting tasks done—it’s about gaining responsibility, pride, and a sense of belonging. This sense of community is central to Tender Hearts. Siti shares, “My son always refers to his friends here as his brothers and sisters. It’s not just about work. It’s about caring for each other.” The cafe is a place where young people are not only valued for their work but for who they are as people.

Looking back on the journey, Sharon sees both progress and challenges. “We’ve survived over seven years. It’s not easy, but they’re learning to be independent and care for one another,” she says. The collaboration with Special Olympics has also been key in complementing these efforts in helping these young people lead independent and fulfilling lives.

The ultimate goal for Tender Hearts is to become a model of inclusion, where young people with intellectual disabilities can lead fully independent lives. “We hope one day this cafe will be run entirely by them,” says Siti. “They’ll know how to handle the accounting, the budgeting, the marketing… they’ll run it themselves.”

For now, Azri’s simple words capture the spirit of Tender Hearts: “I like working here. I want to stay here. It’s good here. I’m happy.” Happiness, after all, comes from having a sense of purpose—and for the youth at Tender Hearts, that purpose is exactly what they’ve found in this safe, inclusive space. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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When Sis-qo was just eight months old, he contracted meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding his brain and spinal cord. His condition was so severe that it left him on the brink of death. “We thought we lost him,” Bosco reflects.

The uncertainty surrounding Sis-qo’s recovery was daunting. Initially the prognosis looked dismal, but the little boy somehow miraculously survived. Nevertheless, the doctors cautioned that there would be long-term health complications, and his condition could lead to other severe impairments such as blindness.

Bosco and Sis-qo traveled to Melbourne for further medical evaluation where he was found to be deaf and prone to fits and seizures, explains Bosco. While the possibility of inserting a cochlear implant, a small, complex electronic device that facilitates hearing, was explored, Bosco eventually decided not to take this up. He explains that he feared the operation would further aggravate his son’s condition given the severity of his seizures. “I knew his brain is fragile so, I didn’t want them to operate on him and put something in him.”

Despite the challenges faced with Sis-qo’s health, Bosco’s focus remained on his son’s progress. Bosco first started volunteering with the Paralympics but eventually transitioned to become a coach with Special Olympics Nauru as the movement was then picking up momentum.

The transition and involvement with Special Olympics marked a new chapter of possibilities for Sis-qo who started participating in sports and competitions, with his debut international competition being held in Fiji.

Bosco shared that his son trained in various sports including running and shot put, and later transitioned to weightlifting. “He’s been doing weightlifting training since 13, then we started competing overseas.”

Sis-qo’s persistence and hard work eventually led to significant sporting achievements. At the Berlin World Games last year, he nabbed four gold medals. These wins were for deadlift, bench press, squat and combined lifts (for deadlift, bench press and squat).. “I’m very, very proud. I’m very happy for him,” Bosco beams.  

Along with the medals, participation in Special Olympics has brought Sis-qo a sense of belonging and community. “He loves them (his fellow athletes),” Bosco observes. “He knows that they’re part of him.”

Sis-qo’s victory is especially sweet, especially since Special Olympics Nauru almost did not make it to the World Games last year due to a lack of funding.

Special Olympics Asia Pacific had stepped in with a fundraising initiative to raise funds, successfully raising sufficient funds for a small delegation from Nauru to fly to Berlin to chase their dreams and compete at the World Games.

Bosco also highlights the broader need for community support and involvement for people with intellectual disabilities. “Back home, usually the government provides some funds for housing, some sports equipment and facilities,” he explains. Despite some support, Bosco identifies critical gaps. “The lack of volunteering is an issue,” he says. “There’s not enough people, if I do power training and then, track and field after that, I can’t take up more, there needs to be another coach volunteering to help with other sports.”

Drawing from his experiences at Special Olympics, Bosco hopes for a bright future for Sis-qo. “I hope he will stay in the Special Olympics and continues to enjoy his sport with his friends,” he says. Sis-qo’s future is seen not just in terms of competitive success but also in personal fulfillment.  

“He’s been looking forward to his marriage. Hopefully, when we go back, we can raise funds for it,” Bosco adds, reflecting on the next chapter of Sis-qo’s life with hope and anticipation. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post The journey of Sis-qo Cain: Through a father’s lens appeared first on Human RACE.

It was the then 17-year-old’s first time competing in an overseas race after all, and when he was overtaken on his third lap, anxiety spiked.

However, Irving did not entertain thoughts of defeat, and instead pressed on, sticking to his coach’s game plan, holding fast, right up till the finish line where he won gold.

Irving’s journey to competing on the world stage first kickstarted in 2015 under his teacher, Ms. Selvy’s watchful eyes.

From his first sprint, she recognised his raw talent and wasted no time in introducing him to the world of competitive sports through Special Olympics.

However, his sporting journey has had its share of ups and downs. Before the actual Games, Irving was struck with COVID-19, which left him feeling feeble post-sickness. “Training became a challenge… And returning to training after recovery was tough. I felt weak, but I pushed myself hard to regain strength and catch back up.”

Irving competed in a total of three races at the Games. Aside from the 1,500 metre race, he took part in the 800 metre race and 4×400 metre relay, clearly underscoring his grit, resilience and sheer hard work. He won the 1,500 metre race with a time of 5min 57.59sec and his strategy was to pace himself for the bulk of the race, only going all out in the last 300 metres.

Recalled Irving, “During the race, I felt a mix of nerves and confidence, but I knew I had a shot at winning. I’m feeling happy and incredibly proud to bring victory home to Singapore.” His victory was Singapore’s first gold medal during the World Games in Berlin, Germany last year, which was subsequently followed by several wins by other fellow athletes.

Beyond the podium, Irving’s sights are set on the food and beverage sector. A vocational school student, he’s dreaming of his future as a barista in a restaurant. This isn’t an afterthought, it’s a meticulously crafted path, fueled by skillsets he has honed in his training program.

He has one message for the world, to not underestimate people with intellectual disabilities. “See how we are running, see how we are competing,” he said with vigour.

Buoyed by the support of his family, friends, coach, teachers and fellow athletes, Irving’s confidence and spirit soared, demonstrating that champions aren’t born on the track, they are nurtured and developed with support, commitment and the pursuit of passions, big or small.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Advaith’s early life wasn’t easy. His mother’s challenging pregnancy followed by his own developmental delays and meningitis left him facing an uphill climb. Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mild intellectual disability, the odds seemed stacked against him. But his mother, a teacher, refused to let societal perceptions define him. Enrolling him in a mainstream school, she set him on a different course, determined to nurture his unique strengths.

While writing wasn’t his forte, Advaith, whose name means unique in Sanskrit, found different ways of expressing himself. Impressively, he could flawlessly chant a hundred Sanskrit verses. However, his raw talent as a swimmer was unleashed when his coach, Rama Rao, spotted his potential. Here in the calm waters of the swimming pool, he excelled in the rhythm of strokes, a language he grasped perfectly.

Under the mentorship of his coach, Advaith found solace and strength in swimming and his self-esteem grew from strength to strength as he deep-dived into the sport.

As his mother, Indira K Ashok said “Winning a silver medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi was a huge accomplishment, but the true reward has been witnessing his growth. As parents we have learnt from Advaith too, his clear thoughts, his affection.”

She continued, “It’s overwhelming to see him growing so confident. Earlier too we went out of our way for Advaith but kept wondering whether what we were doing was right, we were unsure. Special Olympics gave us hope.”

Advaith has since extended his sporting success to the workplace where he successfully landed a job at ADP as a process associate in Captiva Garnishments. In his role, he processes checks and identifies reasons for the non-payment of debts.

The young man’s speech at the ADP HR Summit, where he had shared his story with a global audience played a pivotal role in his hiring, as he spoke confidently and captivated listeners with his powerful journey and raw honesty.

“For me Special Olympics has been nothing short of being transformative. The Athlete oath describes the very spirit of how we achieve excellence,” said Advaith excitedly. “I am proud to be associated with ADP technologies, a company that has accepted me whole-heartedly with my different abilities. I wouldn’t have reached here without the support of my father, mentors, grandma and my backbone, my mom,” he continued.

Citing Advaith’s story, Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Asia Pacific, applauded progressive employers like ADP, even as he acknowledges that the road to inclusion continues to be an uphill one, requiring a whole-of-society commitment.

“A truly inclusive workplace is one where People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) are able to learn, thrive, and be respected. Embracing diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s the catalyst for innovation and creativity in workplaces, and a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” he stressed.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post A case of different strokes for different folks – Advaith’s journey appeared first on Human RACE.

Harumi is a dedicated basketball coach, and Natsumi, her daughter, is a spirited athlete with Special Olympics Nippon. Through the ups and downs of competition, they discovered not just the thrill and adrenaline that come from sports and competition, but also the joy of teamwork, and forging a closer, deeper connection with each other.

Natsumi first found out about Special Olympics five years ago through her school. Intrigued by the sporting movement that focuses on athletes with intellectual disabilities, she signed up alongside her mother to be a part of the Special Olympics Nippon Basketball team.

Natsumi started playing basketball when she first entered high school and plays the role of point guard on her team. A player in this position runs the team’s offense by controlling the ball and facilitates scoring opportunities for their teammates, or sometimes themselves.

“I must use my head all the time when I play, such as giving various signals or speaking to my teammates while moving. It’s tough, but I learned that basketball is a really fun sport, and I’m happy when I work well with my team to score a shot,” says Natsumi.

More recently, Natsumi played at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023. Recalling one of the more memorable matches she played during the Games, she said: “The players from the opposing team were quite tall and had a great proficiency in three-point shots. However, I didn’t give up. While I may have lost today, I will persist in using my strengths to secure victories eventually,” she said.

The determined sportswomen added, “I may be small, but my strength lies in defense.” In every game, she aimed to enhance her defensive skills, constantly striving to improve her sporting prowess.

Harumi acknowledges that Natsumi faces challenges both on and off the court as a person with intellectual disabilities, Hence, she sees every match as a win and applauds her daughter for her steadfastness and courage. “I feel very thankful that I can watch my daughter on the court and see her cheer up other players. It makes me very happy,” she says.

Beyond the court, their bond as mother and daughter shines brightest. Through all the victories and setbacks, they stand deeply supportive of each other.

Harumi sums it up, “I hope that everyone knows that they can find a place where they can shine and, whether with or without a disability, they can play sports that bring everyone together.”

Harumi and Natsumi’s story serves as a reminder that our successes are often found not only in medals, but often in the intangible takeaways like human connection and robust relationships forged along the way.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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The 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin welcomed over 6,500 athletes from over 170 countries competing in 26 sports. Amid the competition, Thailand emerged as a formidable contender, clinching an impressive tally of medals:. But within this sea of achievements, is a story of passion and drive. Meet 20-year-old Sitthiphon Phisajarn and his journey to the Special Olympics World Games 2023.

Sitthiphon and his brother Sitthikon, are a pair of identical twins from Special Olympics Thailand. He and his brother, Sitthikon both competed in athletics at the Special Olympics World Games held in Berlin in June 2023. Although the Phisajarn twins competed against each other in the long jump, they tackled different distances of 100m and 200m in their second event.

Sitthiphon was the first athlete in his delegation to win a gold medal for his country at the World Games 2023. His story is about dreaming big and chasing those dreams with perseverance, passion, and determination.

This also marked the first time in Special Olympics Thailand’s 36-year history of participation that not one but two pairs of twins – including the Phisajarn twins- were fielded for competition!

Laying the Foundation: Overcoming Early Hardships 

Making history, however, started off humbly.

Sitthiphon hails from a family of farmers. As the twins had intellectual disabilities, they struggled with the standard syllabus taught in schools which made, their parents sad. Thankfully for the Phisajarn family, the twins came to the attention of the Special School in Nan which annually visits rural primary schools to check if there are students who might require more attention for their learning needs. This was what landed them at Nan Special School as members of SO Thailand.

Identical twins, Identical choices?

The two brothers have shared a unique connection for much of their lives – they have similar preferences and can practically read each other’s minds. For instance, when Nan Special School introduced them to both Athletics and Football, both young men naturally gravitated towards athletics. This not only deepened their bond but also resulted in the twins forging new friendships. As their sights shifted to the Berlin World Games, a shared worry emerged that only one twin would qualify, leaving the other one behind. But it seemed fate had a shared journey in mind, with both the Phisajarn twins successfully qualifying for the Berlin World Games 2023.

A Triumph to Remember

The Berlin World Games will always be a precious memory for Sitthiphon, as he secured the first gold medal for Thailand at the competition in the men’s 200-meter race. With every stride, he cast aside doubts, reaching the finish line with arms wide and a heart full of victory. His gold medal wasn’t just a piece of metal; it was a symbol of his unyielding spirit, a reward symbolizing years of hard work and belief in himself. Sitthikon also made the country proud by securing gold medals in the 100-meter race and long jump.

Beyond the Medal: Unity in Diversity

There is a message that goes beyond just sports or medals as embodied by the twins’ experience at the Games. The World Games demonstrates in a concrete way, that irrespective of abilities, people can come together to break down barriers and stereotypes to realize their dreams, serving as beacons of hope for everyone.

To learn more about how you can be an ally to people with disabilities at work, follow @soasiapacific and @humanraceasia. 

The post Celebrating Dreams and Dedication: Sitthiphon Phisajarn appeared first on Human RACE.

I have seen first-hand the impact that COVID-19 has had on our athletes. Training and competitions came to a grinding halt, and many of our athletes experienced a drop in their sporting skills, fitness levels, as well as physical and mental well-being.

Thankfully, restrictions have since eased, but there’s still much that needs to be done as we rebuild. Putting our athletes first in our outreach programmes and competitions, reconnecting with volunteers who have halted their activities, recruiting new volunteers and coaches, engaging with schools and the wider special needs community, remains work that needs to be continually done.

Whenever I’m asked what the differences are between Special Olympics athletes and others, my answer remains consistent – that they are different only if we insist on seeing them differently. We utilize the same coaching techniques, ensuring all players understand our instructions and receive them in the right spirit and positive mindset, with the understanding that everyone is a valuable team member, with an equal opportunity to play.

If you’re curious about volunteering with communities that have intellectual disabilities, I fully encourage you to give it a try.

My advice would be to start off slow initially. Give yourself the time and space to experience the joys of volunteering. Get to know the athletes, build relationships, and over time start to volunteer on a more regular and committed basis.

Witnessing our athletes’ achievements & accomplishments can be truly amazing and inspiring. This was something I experienced first-hand at the recent Unified Cup in Detroit. An athlete came up to me after a match and told me that it was his very first time completing a full 60-minute football game, and it meant the world to him to have completed this athletic milestone.

As volunteers, we get to nurture, guide and mentor athletes in finding their place in society. Seeing the growth and maturity that my athletes have displayed over the years has indeed been a wonderful experience. If each and every one of us can take one small step and spend a bit of our time volunteering, our collective effort can make a genuine difference towards true inclusion in our society.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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1. Provide them space to discover their talents   

“I’m so proud of my child. It’s never crossed my mind to hide him from the world. Get to know him and you’ll realize how kind, sociable, fun and loving he is,” says Marcia Lai of her son, Filmer, who was shunned by people because of his intellectual disability.   

When Marcia discovered Filmer’s love for cakes, she decided to teach him to bake instead of simply buying him desserts. They experimented with recipes at home, and shared their cakes with friends and relatives. Filmer has a disability with his left hand, and struggled with tasks like cutting fruits, cracking an egg or folding the batter. Marcia sourced suitable equipment to help him with these tasks. After years of practice and encouragement, Filmer is now a confident and competent baker. What started as a hobby has even grown into a full-fledged online business known as Filmer’s Chiffon Cakes.  

2. Allow them to fight their own battles  

Akiko and Chips Guevara give their 5-year-old daughter Sachiko, who has Down Syndrome, the same opportunities and experiences as her two older brothers.   

“Noah and Elijah are typical boys and play rough with each other. They don’t treat Sachiko any differently. In fact, she is totally able to hold her own, and sometimes we find Elijah crying because she had bitten him or pounced on him,” says Akiko. “The boys are her best friends and therapy. She sees them climb the bunk bed and just follows right behind. They are really good brothers to her, though I think in the end, she may be the ‘boss’!”  

3. Be a positive role model  

Noraini Amin wants her youngest daughter Hadbaa, who has Down Syndrome, to have the courage to pursue her passions, no matter what others say. She teaches Hadbaa resilience by setting a good example, and not reacting emotionally to naysayers.  

“I remember an incident when we were in an elevator with a young couple with a child. Hadbaa was only 3. The child pointed at Hadbaa and said, ‘Why does she look like that? What’s wrong with her?’ I was shocked when the parents turned away from us quite rudely, and told the child not to look at Hadbaa. I stared at them in silence, not knowing what to say,” recalls Noraini. “Hadbaa’s siblings were indignant and furious, but I told them not to retaliate. It would affect Hadbaa. These days, we ignore all these stares and whispers. I refuse to let the judgment of others affect how we live our lives.”  

We celebrate all parents who teach their children never to give up, standing strong while fighting for a more inclusive world. Support us in our cause, and find out how you can be an ally by following @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.   

The post Raising Resilient Children appeared first on Human RACE.

Here are some ways you can support your child with an intellectual or learning disability:

1. Educate Yourself

You can be a better advocate by educating yourself about your child’s intellectual or learning disability. Researching, consulting with specialists and maintaining a list of things that your child might be struggling with is a great start. Once you’re aware of their challenges, you can come up with solutions to support them in their growth. Keep up to date with your child’s progress and keep educating yourself about further steps.  

Take the example of Joan Iven Jamora-Abello, whose son Joachim has autism and ADHD. He didn’t speak until age 3 and struggled to follow instructions or develop social skills. Joan equipped herself with knowledge by pursuing a Masters in Special Education.  Joachim became the subject of her thesis. As part of her internship, she worked at an Integrated School, for children with and without disabilities where Joachim was enrolled. He started behavioural therapy, special education classes, as well as a Special Olympics Young Athletes sport and play program to improve his motor, cognitive and social skills. Joan’s unwavering support helped Joachim find his confidence, and allowed him to develop his talent in sports, music, and the arts.

2. Encourage their independence 

Let your child try new things and encourage them to complete tasks by themselves. Provide guidance when it’s needed and give positive feedback when your child does something well or masters something new. Expose them to new experiences and social circles. Give them the confidence to fight and conquer their own battles. 

One such parent is Tehmina Azim whose son Asim was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5. He had speech and learning issues. Tehmina exposed Asim to sports at an early age. When he was 8, he travelled without his family, with his athletics team to his first Special Olympics competition in Lahore, where he won his first medal. At 14, she exposed him to a new sport – swimming. He was afraid to get into the pool at first, but his coach convinced her to let go. Today, Asim is a gold medalist, having represented Pakistan in swimming at the Special Olympics World Games. Tehmina’s advice to all parents of children with disabilities is not to hide them. She says, “Come out of your bubble, and receive support.”  

3. Involve them in group activities 

Enrolling them in art classes, athletic activities and social groups will help your child with intellectual disabilities build their social skills, confidence and advance in core developmental milestones. They learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. They can also learn to share, take turns and follow directions. These skills will help them in family, community and school activities.

Fahsai Saejang was born with Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart. When she was 4, her parents enrolled her in Special Olympics Young Athletes, a sport and play program for children of all abilities at her school. She was encouraged to play games, and make friends with other children. She was shy before but eventually came out of her shell. She’s learnt to follow instructions and is now able to help her parents with chores. The physical activities have also made her stronger, and she is no longer on medication for her heart defect.  

Families are the number one fans of Special Olympics athletes worldwide. You give the type of love, support and encouragement that no one else can. Being a role model and source of strength for your children helps them with their growth. Find out how you can be a part of the family support network here.

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