None of them started as leaders—they began simply by showing up.

What began as participation has grown into something far more powerful. Across Asia-Pacific, women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are stepping into roles as mentors, advocates, and changemakers. Through Special Olympics programs, they are redefining leadership as confidence built over time through opportunity, visibility, and belief.

Sport becomes the catalyst to fuel confidence and eventually builds leadership. Today, these women are not just participating—they are shaping more inclusive spaces and opening doors for others. Leadership does not begin with a title, but a first step and the support to keep going.

A growing global conversation

Around the world, the conversation about women in sport is gaining momentum. This progress creates a vital opportunity to ensure that women and girls with intellectual disabilities are equally represented and empowered.

While research on physical activity among persons with IDD is still emerging, interest is steadily growing. Only a small number of studies have explored participation and lived experiences so far, especially in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the need to deepen understanding, strengthen programs, and create more inclusive pathways for participation.

Current data shows that just 7 to 23% of persons with intellectual disabilities meet recommended levels of physical activity, with women participating at slightly lower rates than men. Increasing access, encouragement, and leadership opportunities can help unlock this untapped potential.

Across communities, women and girls with IDD are ready to engage more fully in sport when the right support systems are in place. Inclusive sports programs, trained coaches, accessible facilities, and safe transportation open doors, while environments that celebrate confidence and independence help to sustain progress.

Stories of Leadership

For Yashika Bhatt, leadership began with uncertainty. 

Through Special Olympics Bharat (India), Yashika gradually grew from being an athlete into a confident advocate for inclusion. Sport helped her build self-belief, and with it came the courage to speak up, share her experiences, and support others.

Today, she uses that same voice to encourage other athletes to participate, ask questions, and step forward. By supporting initiatives that promote leadership and inclusion, Yashika helps other athletes see possibilities they may not have imagined before.

In Singapore, Jocelyn Sng found that sport opened doors not only to competition but to advocacy. Through Special Olympics Singapore, she embraced opportunities to champion inclusion and challenge stereotypes by advocating for greater inclusion and encouraging others to participate.

Today, Jocelyn strongly believes that women with intellectual disabilities should have the chance to lead, share their stories, and inspire others. Her leadership reflects resilience and determination, showing that athletes can change perceptions.

In Thailand, Kaewalin “Pin” Thamnium’s journey started with a simple desire to support others. 

As a recipient of the Women Play Women Lead grant, she mentors younger athletes through school-based initiatives, promoting health awareness, hygiene education, and offering reassurance to those who feel unsure before an activity, while also guiding others through new experiences. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, showing how encouragement can build confidence in the next generation and demonstrating the powerful impact women athlete leaders can have within their communities.

Though they live in different countries, Yashika, Pin, and Jocelyn share a common thread: leadership built through small but meaningful acts—encouraging fellow athletes and creating spaces where confidence can grow.

Women Play Women Lead

That is where Special Olympics initiatives like Women Play Women Lead, supported globally by Bank of America, play a vital role. By focusing on increasing the number of female athlete leaders while ensuring they have meaningful roles in shaping programs, it empowers women with IDD to step forward as athletes, mentors, and advocates—strengthening sport participation, confidence, representation, and community impact. Representation matters: when women see others like themselves leading, new possibilities emerge.

Special Olympics Asia Pacific is also strengthening research efforts to better understand what motivates women with IDD to participate in sport. In an innovative approach, athlete leaders themselves are serving as co-researchers in studies across Guam, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Vietnam, gathering insights from athletes, parents, coaches, and communities.

This approach embodies a key inclusive research principle:
“Nothing about us, without us.”

By involving persons with intellectual disabilities directly in research, their real experiences and lived realities make the research richer, more accurate, and more meaningful.

The road ahead

The journeys of Yashika, Pin, and Jocelyn are just the beginning. Every day, women with intellectual disabilities are challenging barriers, reshaping perceptions, and leading within their communities. Through sport, they are proving that inclusion is not just about participation—it is about creating opportunities for leadership, confidence, and personal growth.

When women lead, the impact extends far beyond the playing field. It reaches families, communities, and future generations, building a future where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate, lead, and thrive.

The post Beyond the Game: How Women Athlete Leaders Are Sparking Change in Asia-Pacific appeared first on Human RACE.

Dr. Toh Teck Hock, a seasoned pediatrician and Special Olympics Asia Pacific regional clinical advisor, has been working tirelessly for decades towards advancing inclusive and accessible healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who are one of the most marginalized people in the world.  

Local Reach, Global Impact: Global Golisano Health Leadership Awardee

“Health is something that everyone has the right to enjoy,” says Dr. Toh, who also serves as the Clinical Director of Special Olympics Malaysia. Health is not just living without disease, as he put it, “It is actually enjoying—to live, to do work, and to study”. 

His goal is to ensure children with IDD receive the care and support they need to thrive not only in school, but especially in life. That passion, dedication, and resilience have been recently recognized with the 2025 Global Golisano Health Leadership Award, the highest honor from Special Olympics Health. 

His medical expertise, combined with his compassion and policy leadership, has transformed his local community in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.  

Passion for Inclusion: From Healthcare to Education 

Dr. Toh has worked in the United Kingdom and Singapore in the past. Since deciding to come home after working abroad, he has built a truly transformative movement starting from his local community, to wider Malaysia and the Asia Pacific Region. 

In 2006, Dr. Toh co-founded the Agape Centre, a one-stop children’s developmental clinic in Sarawak. The center is focused on early diagnosis detection (EDD) and early childhood intervention (ECI). Blending community engagement with national partnerships,  Dr. Toh has been successful in contributing to inclusive health systems, creating awareness and championing advocacy for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

This advocacy work has led to a gradual shift in mindsets with more families becoming receptive in seeking medical support and advice, observes Dr. Toh. “Over the years, with collaborations like the Agape Centre, I see changes. Parents are more willing to bring their children looking for help. They know that with the diagnosis, with assessments, with the intervention, the children can live a better life,” he says. 

Working closely with families for timely intervention 

One way that Dr. Toh advocates for inclusion is by integrating children with IDD into mainstream preschool programs. Through Dr. Toh’s leadership, Agape Centre guided over 200 preschoolers through its ECI program in 2023. 80% of the preschoolers were able to transition into various preschool programs. This year, nearly half of the ECI graduates with autism moved on to mainstream primary school classes. 

Dr Toh. explains his involvement in school work, saying, “A lot of people may say that helping a child to find a school is probably not a doctor’s job, but if a child cannot be accepted into the kindergarten, how can you expect a child to live healthy?”

Patrick Yek, a parent of Special Olympics Malaysia athlete Adeline, is especially grateful for Dr Toh’s guidance, which has been instrumental in transforming her from a withdrawn, quiet child into a competitive swimmer and young woman who now works at Agape Centre. 

As he puts it, “We realized that, you know, that we need input to guide her. For example, taking care of herself, eating the right food, Dr. Toh really helped us in this aspect, to enable her to go and learn swimming and to encourage her to exercise.” 

Spearheading Transformation 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Toh has also helped shape policies related to the inclusion of people with IDD through serving on various committees in the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

Early intervention, treatment and access to quality health care for people with IDD is important as this supports the individual’s wellbeing and development and mitigates the need for costly public services in the future, stresses Dr. Toh. 

This is why policymakers, families and health practitioners should closely cooperate in the planning and implementation of programs that address the needs of people with IDD.

“Ultimately, we need to create a society that is more inclusive so that people can live in a more healthy way,” says Dr. Toh.

The post Dr. Toh: From Grassroots to Institutions appeared first on Human RACE.

Across the globe, over 4.6 million Special Olympics athletes and unified partners worldwide benefit from sports programs shaped by the unwavering dedication of Special Olympics coaches. These coaches are the heartbeat of our movement – they are mentors, motivators and advocates for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD), helping athletes discover their strength, their voice, and their place in society. 

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More Than Just a Trainer

To be a Special Olympics coach is to embrace a calling. It means stepping into the role of a guide, a cheerleader, and a champion for inclusion. Coaches nurture not only athletic ability but also confidence, identity, and life skills. They celebrate each athlete’s uniqueness, fostering discipline and self-belief while unlocking potential that reaches far beyond the playing field.

Through their work, coaches bridge the gap between sport and inclusion. They ensure that every athlete feels seen, heard, and respected—creating spaces where differences are embraced and belonging is the norm. Their impact is profound, and their contributions deserve recognition, especially on International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE)  Global Coaches Day, a celebration of those who cultivate acceptance and transform lives through sport.

Coach Ethel Tan: A Life With Meaning and Purpose

Coach Ethel Tan, Sports Development Specialist and Head Coach of Bocce for Special Olympics Pilipinas (Philippines) began her journey as a Unified Partner at the grade school level. Today, she plays a dual role – shaping athletes through sport and steering the development of inclusive programs that champion the future of Special Olympics in the Philippines. 

Her coaching career is deeply intertwined with Special Olympics Pilipinas athlete  Carl Jason Garcia, a six-time Special Olympics Gold Medalist in Bocce. Ethel began coaching Carl when he was just seven years old. Their partnership blossomed on the international stage, from Newcastle, Australia in 2013 to the recent Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Tournament held in New Delhi, India in 2024, where Carl took home two gold medals and one silver medal in the men’s category under her guidance.

“Persons with intellectual disabilities mean a lot to me, they are the ones who drive me to do this, helping them makes my life meaningful,” says Ethel.

Coach Ethel’s legacy goes beyond medals. She has empowered countless individuals with intellectual disabilities to grow in confidence, skill, and self-worth. Whether leading school-based training programs or supporting athletes at the World Games, Ethel is a tireless advocate for equality and inclusion. Her work exemplifies how coaching can be a vehicle for transformation – both in sport and in life.

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Coach Keiko Inoue: Rekindling Passion Through Purpose

Keiko Inoue’s love for figure skating began in third grade and continued through university. Though she stepped away from the sport at 25, she always knew she’d return. That return came through Special Olympics Nippon (Japan), where she’s now been a coach and volunteer for over 20 years. 

Coach Keiko’s first involvement with the movement was at the National Games in Yamagata, Japan, where she started as a  sports volunteer. 

Coaching Special Olympics athletes reignited her passion and brought a sense of peace and fulfillment. She also rediscovered her love for skating which she admitted that she lost after years of gruelling training as a competitive skater.  It was spending time and having fun with the athletes on the rink that made her enjoy the sport again. 

Seeing her athletes perform well on a global stage like the World Games, fills her with immense pride. “I enjoy it a lot (coaching with Special Olympics), I’m always busy with work, but Special Olympics relaxes and calms me, that’s what I like about it, it’s healing,” she says, describing how coaching offers her balance amid the hustle and bustle of  life. 

Coach Keiko believes in the power of connection. She recalls one athlete who rarely smiled – until she started to finally smile at Coach Keiko. Small moments like these affirm the deeply personal connections coaches build with their athletes. Keiko continues to be inspired by her athletes’ achievements on the biggest stages and hopes more people will discover the joy and purpose found by volunteering with Special Olympics.  

On ICCE Global Coaches Day, we honor all extraordinary coaches who transform lives and remind us that sport is for everyone!

The post Transforming Lives: Celebrating Special Olympics Coaches appeared first on Human RACE.

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.”

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Among these athletes were two young men from Special Olympics Indonesia, Alif Dafa Maulana, a 20-year-old athlete with intellectual disabilities (ID) from Surakarta, Central Java, and his unified partner, Evelino Dilam (Lino), also 20, from the highlands of Pegunungan Bintang, Papua.

Unified Sports® brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) through sport and competitions to help drive social inclusion, foster meaningful friendships, build mutual understanding and connect in ways they might not otherwise. Together, unified pairs celebrate each other’s strengths and showcase the impact of inclusion, both on and off the field.

Growing up, Alif felt that he lacked direction in his life. While attending a mainstream school, he witnessed others being bullied, and this had a knock-on effect of wearing down his confidence, even when he was not the target.

At 17, Alif eventually transitioned to a special needs school and recalled feeling extremely anxious as he was worried his disability might embarrass his family. However, it was in school that he discovered a passion for football, and with it, a renewed sense of purpose.

His unified partner, Lino, enjoyed staying active. Growing up, he would head into the jungle with makeshift catapults and bows to hunt birds. Later, he joined a football club in Semarang, where he first learned about Special Olympic Indonesia’s club outreach program and was eventually given the opportunity to take part in the Special Olympics South Asia Unified Football Competition as a unified partner.

While excited to compete outside of his home country, Lino admitted to feeling apprehensive as he had little experience working with people with ID.  “I was a little nervous, mostly about how we would communicate (with Alif) during the game.” Thankfully, Alif’s easygoing nature and openness quickly put Lino at ease, and they quickly bonded at the training center. 

For Alif, seeing Lino’s familiar features, reminiscent of a friend from Papua New Guinea, was comforting. This familiarity likely contributed to Alif’s instant trust in Lino and his decision to choose him as a partner. Alif affectionately calls him “kakak” (older brother), and Lino admires Alif’s joyful personality, saying, “every day, he makes me smile and laugh.”

Through unified sports, Alif found a safe space to build his self-confidence. The partnership has been transformative for both young men.

For Alif, being part of a unified pair with Lino meant having someone to rely on and confide in, a teammate who understood his journey and supported him unconditionally. Reflecting on their time together, Alif shared that Lino’s patience and adaptability were essential to his comfort on the field. “A good, unified partner is one who can communicate well and has the patience to face athletes like me,” he said. On the flip side, Lino said, “Alif showed me that having patience and understanding is important, not just in sports but in life.” 

Alif’s self-esteem blossomed as he developed a stronger sense of self-reliance and independence. “These skills will help him to play sports better, as he becomes more confident and independent,” Lino noted. “He’ll also be able to help more at home, making his parents proud and sharing his experiences with his friends and peers.”

The competition itself was more than just a sports event, it was an opportunity to bring to life the values of inclusion, unity, and mutual respect. In addition to sports, complimentary health screenings that focused on eye health, dentistry, and nutrition, reinforcing a holistic commitment by Special Olympics Asia Pacific to inclusive health and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities.

As Alif and Lino’s friendship blossomed, so did their passion to advocate for others with intellectual disabilities. “We want people to know that athletes like us have strengths too,” Alif shared. Lino added, “I want to share my experience playing with athletes with ID to show others that it’s possible to work together, have fun, and learn. They’re not just good teammates—they’re good people.”

The friendship between the two boys is a reminder that inclusion is not just a goal but an ongoing journey—one that transforms lives, bridges perceived differences, and connects people from across all walks of life.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post Beyond the Game: Alif and Lino’s Journey in Unity  appeared first on Human RACE.

Her transition from athlete to coach came with some hesitation. “I wasn’t sure about SOBD at first,” she admits, reflecting on her uncertainty about the organization and her capacity within it. Although Asia had experience growing up around family members with special needs, working with athletes with intellectual disabilities in a sports setting was entirely new to her. She was also unfamiliar with Special Olympics and had never heard of the movement before joining it.

Fortunately, she found ample resources to guide her. Her journey began with a general orientation to Special Olympics, which included an introductory course on coaching individuals with intellectual disabilities and learning specific coaching tactics. 

Asia furthered her coaching skills by earning her Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Level C diploma, in 2019 through a training co-hosted by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP). This certification is tailored for coaches who are committed to developing and coaching youths. It equips coaches with basic coaching principles, methodologies, and processes. It also focuses on how coaches can help players develop their understanding of football, including the technical aspects of the game.

She continued to advance her training by completing her Level B diploma with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in 2020. The diploma provided her with a valuable opportunity to improve her skillsets and is designed to enhance coaching standards through a mix of theoretical, practical and assessments to ensure competency.

Her commitment towards improving her knowledge and gaining experience, along with her dedication to helping the community grow, has been evident throughout her journey.

A significant milestone in her coaching career came in 2019 when she led a team at the inaugural Special Olympic International Football Championship in Chennai, India, for the first time. Coach Asia’s work extends far beyond coaching. Before the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin, SOBD organized several training camps in Dhaka. These camps, which ranged between 2 weeks to 2 months, brought together athletes from across Bangladesh and pushed both the athletes and coaches to their limits. “The athletes I’ve worked with have taught me the importance of managing my emotions by setting clear boundaries and treating each of them with respect ” she says, highlighting how this experience has shaped her coaching approach.

This close interaction fostered strong bonds within the team. They ate, trained, and spent time together, with athletes often turning to her for support. Asia even learned basic sign language to better communicate with her team, as some of her athletes are hearing-impaired. “There’s a lot of unspoken understanding on the field,” she notes. The team looks out for each other, working towards common goals.

In a culture where people with intellectual disabilities often face isolation, discrimination, and rejection, Coach Asia’s relationships with her athletes are particularly meaningful. “They don’t get enough love in our culture, and many in society still view them as a burden, but I believe they are exceptionally talented,” she says.

Coach Asia is especially proud of players like Shorna Akter, who captained the team to a gold medal at the World Games and returned to her village as a hero. Asia believes Shorna is as skilled as any professional player and emphasizes the need to change perceptions and recognize the strengths of these athletes.

Coach Asia’s dedication has also touched her family. “My husband loves these athletes, maybe even more than I do,” she shares.

Through her work at SOBD, Coach Asia Khatun Bithi exemplifies how dedication and compassion can nurture talent and create a supportive community. Her journey has given her a deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance of providing support and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

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.

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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For Flordeliza, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion that has seen her rise to victory, clinching gold at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. “I’m very happy that I was able to join the competition and win gold,” she shares. 

Yet, beyond the running track, lies other dreams. “I want to be a scientist and a detective,” Flordeliza reveals, reflecting both her curiosity and a desire to explore the world.

At the Special Olympics World Games Healthy Athletes screening, a series of complimentary health screenings across various disciplines, Flordeliza’s hearing issues were initially detected. Unaware of the problem beforehand, she was surprised by the revelation. Subsequently, with the aid of a hearing device, her hearing ability transformed significantly. “Without the hearing aid, there were times when I couldn’t hear clearly. But now, with it, I can hear everything, including footsteps and movement,” she explains. 

“My mother and my sister, Rose, are my biggest supporters,” Flordeliza affirms, highlighting the indispensable role of her family in her journey. Their care and staunch support have been a cornerstone in her pursuit of dreams and achievements. 

However, Flordeliza has not been shielded from the harsh realities of societal challenges, particularly bullying. Her approach involves highlighting the effects of actions, aiming to foster awareness and empathy among others—a manifestation of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Flordeliza’s message about inclusion echoes a plea for understanding and acceptance. She advocates for equal treatment, emphasising that individuals like her should not be ostracised or labeled but embraced as equals in society. 

“Understand that we are also human beings,” Flordeliza advocates, highlighting the need for societal acceptance and inclusion. “Treat us equally. Allow us to be part of society,” she urges.

Her recent win at the World Games is testament to her commitment and capability, bringing home a gold medal for the Philippines. “I’m proud that I won gold and will bring it home,” she declares, her pride radiating through her words. 

And in the heart of Berlin, amidst the thrill of competition, Flordeliza found something more profound than victory—she found a reflection of the Golden Rule in the city’s warmth and kindness. “I really like Berlin. The people here are caring, friendly, and happy,” she shares, reflecting on the city’s embrace. 

Flordeliza Baento’s journey embodies the essence of the Golden Rule—an ethos that goes beyond mere words and becomes a guiding principle for societal change.  

With your support, we can empower more individuals, directly impacting the lives of those striving for success and inclusion. Join us in creating a more inclusive society by volunteering and contributing towards opportunities and resources for athletes like Flordeliza, fostering a world where everyone has the chance to shine.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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What makes us different from one another? Is it in the clothes we wear, the cultures we come from, or our accents? No two people are ever the same, we are all unique with distinct quirks and differences. But the one thing we do have in common is being human.

In a world that is often divisive, appreciating differences and fostering empathy and compassion may sometimes seem more of an anomaly than the norm.

Thankfully, its stories like the heartwarming friendship between Yumna Masood and Humaira Kazim that illustrate how friendship can trump differences. Though they may seem like two young girls united by their shared love for sports, their unique bond goes far deeper than what meets the eye. Humaira, a remarkable individual with intellectual disability, finds not just a friend in Yumna but a unified partner (individuals without intellectual disabilities that play sport alongside athletes that have intellectual disabilities), mentor, and guide, all wrapped into one incredible friendship.

The two sportswomen earlier represented Pakistan at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Berlin amidst the backdrop of the World Games. “I have seen so many people represent Pakistan and I am so proud to be a part of this,” said Yumna of the experience.

Despite the pandemic, the duo’s friendship continued to strengthen, guided by mutual respect and reciprocity. Explained Yumna, “In 2020 and 2021, due to Covid, we couldn’t meet each other. So, we would always be on Zoom calls whenever we had projects to work on. If we had to collaborate, we would get on a call. I talk and she listens. Then she would talk, and I would listen.” 

In a distraction-filled world, the duo’s friendship underscores the importance of giving someone undivided attention and active listening. Yumna said, “we tend to talk over people, especially special children, some of which have verbal challenges.” She urges society to embrace differences with respect and acceptance, “I would urge people to have the patience to accept special children. They are really amazing people, if you get to know them. They are beautiful people,” she continued.

Humaira and Yumna’s journey challenges prevailing misconceptions surrounding people with Intellectual Disabilities. It shines a spotlight on the unique skills, potential, and qualities inherent in each person. Their story encourages us to look beyond stereotypes and see individuals as the dream chasers that they are.

It reminds us that inclusivity is within reach, requiring just one person with a different perspective, willing to take that extra step to extend a helping hand. 

What’s next for the two? 

Yumna’s goal is to ultimately be a role model, a beacon of inspiration. “They already call me a youth leader, but I think there is more to it. It’s a long way to go,” she said. 

Humaira adds, “I want to spread awareness in my country about people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusion in society is very important. I want to be a good example for children with intellectual disabilities.”  

Humaira and Yumna are doing their bit for a better tomorrow. It’s time we too, play our part. 

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