Across Asia-Pacific, women with IDD are emerging as mentors, advocates, and changemakers through Special Olympics programs. Their journeys show that leadership grows through opportunity, visibility, and belief.

Stories of Leadership

In India, Yashika Bhatt encourages others to speak up and be heard. In Thailand, Kaewalin “Pin” Thamnium mentors younger students through school programs. In Singapore, Jocelyn Sng advocates for greater inclusion through sport.

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

What began as participation has evolved into leadership. Today, 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 continue.

Yashika Bhatt’s athlete leadership journey began with uncertainty. Through Special Olympics Bharat (India), she gradually grew from an athlete to a confident advocate for inclusion. Sport strengthened her self-belief and gave her the courage to speak up, share her experiences and support others.

Today, she encourages fellow 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.

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.

She 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, demonstrating how athletes can shift perceptions.

In Thailand, Kaewalin “Pin” Thamnium’s journey began 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, highlighting how encouragement can empower the next generation and demonstrating the powerful impact women athlete leaders can have within their communities.

Though from different countries, Yashika, Pin, and Jocelyn share a common thread: leadership built through small but meaningful acts that create space for others to grow.

Women Play Women Lead

In the Asia Pacific region, there are 42.6% more male than female athlete leaders. The Women Play, Women Lead initiative, supported globally by Bank of America, addresses this gap by training women and girls in leadership and enabling them to take on meaningful roles.

By expanding opportunities for female athlete leaders, the initiative 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.

The road ahead

The journeys of Yashika, Pin, and Jocelyn are just the beginning. Across the region, women with IDD are challenging barriers, reshaping perceptions, and leading within their communities. Inclusion through sport is not just about participation — it is about creating opportunities for leadership, confidence, and personal growth.

When women lead, the impact extends beyond the playing field, reaching families, communities, and future generations—building a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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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.

Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP), exemplifies such transformative leadership. Her journey began in 1991 as a volunteer, when SOP supported just 75 athletes. Since then, she has spearheaded its remarkable expansion into a nationwide movement with over 35,000 athletes and 5,000+ families today. Through unwavering dedication, Ronak has not only uplifted the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), but also redefined Pakistan’s broader approach to inclusion.

The Power of “We Are All One”

Early in her journey, Ronak realized that lasting change requires a radically different approach to leadership. Instead of relying on traditional top-down hierarchies, she cultivated a culture of shared ownership where every voice matters, regardless of age, role, or intellectual ability.

This philosophy drives her to share information generously with her team, often beyond what their roles require. She firmly believes that transparency and understanding empower people to contribute more meaningfully. “We are all one,” she consistently reminds her team–a mantra that reflects her belief that artificial barriers between people limit potential, while true inclusion unlocks exponential growth.

The results speak volume. Under her leadership, SOP has nurtured a community of long-term volunteers, including doctors and professionals who began their journey as teenagers and continue to serve well into adulthood. By treating everyone as a valuable contributor from the start, she built a robust pipeline of committed leaders who carry forward her multiplier mindset.

No Task Too Small

From leading sports teams, orchestrating events to driving fundraising initiatives, 

Ronak’s leadership is defined by a simple yet powerful principle: do whatever it takes to serve the mission. Throughout her 35-year tenure, she has worn multiple hats–as a servant leader, strategist, and hands-on organizer–earning trust across every level of SOP.

Her willingness to tackle challenges—from grassroots logistics to high-level strategy—has built a foundation of credibility that fuels SOP’s continued success. This trust has translated into tangible support:

• Government bodies have recognized her authentic commitment through consistent delivery. The Sindh government now sponsors training camps, travel, and uniforms for international competitions.
• Corporate partners like Bank Alfalah have invested PKR 9 million (USD31,690) in athlete training programs.
• Educational institutions such as Beaconhouse School System have formalized partnerships through MOUs.

Her reputation for integrity and impact has earned her appointments to prestigious bodies such as the Pakistan Sports Board (as the only female among 9 members), the Pakistan Olympic Association, and the Pakistan Women’s Swimming Federation–each recognizing her as a leading voice for inclusion and gender equity in sports.

A Legacy of Lasting Change

Ronak’s greatest triumph is not just the programs she built, but the societal shift she sparked in how Pakistan views people with intellectual disabilities. Her vision of sports as a catalyst for change has opened doors far beyond the playing field, fostering confidence and bringing communities together in ways unimagined previously.

Through initiatives like employment training programs and empowering PWID to live independently—especially vital for PWID who outlive their parents—Ronak has created a sustainable ecosystem where inclusion becomes self-reinforcing.

The Emmy-nominated documentary “As Far As They Can Run” captures this transformation beautifully, showing how rural Pakistani communities have embraced young people with intellectual disabilities, reshaping perceptions and possibilities. 

Today, Ronak’s multiplier effect continues to ripple outward, laying groundwork for a future where “we are all one” is not just a philosophy, but a lived reality.

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Kamille Tingzon, Yashika Bhatt, Japhet Narrey, and Jack Rowe are four newly appointed leaders in the Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Regional Athlete h Leadership Councils, who have raised their hands to actively create spaces of inclusion within their communities. Read on to understand their individual stories.

Kamille Tingzon: The Dancing Queen of Inclusion
Philippines

Kamille Tingzon, Athlete Leader at Special Olympics Pilipinas, brings a unique blend of athletic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit to her leadership role. As a silver medalist in Bocce in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, she has proven her competitive spirit on the international stage. But it’s her infectious energy that truly sets her apart.

Kamille uses her love of dance not just as a form of self-expression, but as a powerful tool for connection. “For me, inclusion means creating spaces where everyone can shine,” Kamille shares. “Whether it’s on the bocce court, the dance floor, or in the boardroom, I believe every person deserves the chance to show their talents and be celebrated for who they are.”

Kamille actively champions the rights and visibility of people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), her advocacy is rooted in passion and powered by rhythm. Through dance, she breaks barriers, builds community, and shows the world that success comes in many forms.

Kamille Tingzon isn’t just moving to the beat—she’s leading a movement.

Yashika Bhatt: Empowering Through Inclusive Education
India

At just 23 years old, Yashika Bhatt, is already making waves as an Athlete Leader at Special Olympics Bharat (India) . With a portfolio of leadership roles at events both within India and internationally, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion.  accomplished many leadership roles within and outside of India. 

As an assistant manager for youth initiatives and a dedicated athlete leader, she has committed  her career to empowering fellow athletes through holistic development. She trains individuals in both soft and technical skills, recognizing that true empowerment comes from nurturing confidence, competence, and character. 

One of Yashika’s most impactful projects is “Inclusion beyond Sports”, which challenges how PWIDs are seen and integrated into society. The program engages both mainstream and special schools and aims to increase the number of youth leaders within Special Olympics, while creating the platform to recognize the talents of athletes beyond their athletic achievements.

“Even though we bring home medals from national and international competitions, we (PWIDs) are still not fully accepted by society. Mainstream students often don’t understand us, and when we are outside, people tell our parents we can’t do anything. That mentality needs to change,” Yashika shares.

Her goal? Create lasting change through these programs within societies so that everyone can feel valued, respected, and supported.

Japhet Narrey: Building Bridges Through Sport
Papua New Guinea

“To me, inclusion means being and feeling part of something without fear of being out of place.”

Japhet Narrey, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Papua New Guinea, deeply understands the power of sports to unite communities and break down barriers. Through his leadership in school awareness programs, he brings inclusion directly to young people through unified football competitions.

He enjoys playing soccer, AFL, footy, and a variety of other athletic activities. His wide-ranging interests enable him to lead programs and support coaches by fostering understanding between people with intellectual disabilities(PWID) and their communities. He takes great pride in his role as an athlete leader and whole-heartedly embraces diversity in the programs he leads, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

Jack Rowe: From Parliament to Playing Fields
New Zealand

Jack Rowe reached a major milestone in 2024 when he completed the Athlete Leadership Programme from Special Olympics New Zealand.  His graduation, held at the prestigious parliament buildings, marked a proud moment in his journey, and was followed by his selection to the Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council.

Jack’s wide-ranging passions—basketball, drama, dancing, singing, and sailing—showcase the multifaceted nature of inclusion. He exemplifies the belief that PWID can actively pursue their talents and help shape society’s understanding of ability and contribution.

Tim Upton, Jack’s mentor, has witnessed Jack’s transformation as an athlete leader. “Throughout this journey, it has been fantastic to observe Jack’s significant growth in maturity, with his confidence increasing tenfold,” he shares.

Today, Jack is a passionate advocate for PWID, driven by the belief that inclusion means everybody gets a go, no matter what. Whether on the field or in the community, he strives to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued on any team he’s part of.

Inclusion Can Start Small

Kamille, Yashika, Japhet, and Jack show us that inclusion doesn’t always begin with bold moves—it flourishes through everyday actions within communities. As they take on their new leadership roles on the Regional Athlete and Youth Leadership Council, they’re shaping a more inclusive future—one connection, one community and one heart at a time.

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We have witnessed how physical activity has played a pivotal, transformative role in the lives of female athletes with ID. Sports has often been a gateway in which women and girls with ID grow in confidence, learn to work with others and build social skills, eventually stepping up to become advocates and leaders, both on and off the playing field.  

Pauline Paul, an athlete leader from Special Olympics Papua New Guinea, for instance grew from being someone who was bullied in school, to become a confident advocate for inclusive education using her voice to challenge barriers.  

Syakila Nasir, a talented, young badminton player from Special Olympics Malaysia, overcome her shyness to become an outspoken and independent young woman through the empowerment of sports and competition, even going onto to represent her country in the World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany in 2023.   

As Special Olympics Pilipinas Board Chair, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, puts it, sports can help ease communication and bridge differences, “Like music, sports is a universal language–that’s what makes it so accessible and powerful, It has the power to bring people from opposite ends together… we believe that if you can play sports together, you can live together, side by side.”  

These examples offer a clear picture of how sports can serve as a platform for positive and impactful change.   

Neena Garg, mother of Muskan Garg, a young powerlifter from Special Olympics Bharat (India), always speaks proudly of her daughter’s numerous sporting achievements, including her winning a gold and three silvers medals at the Special Olympic Abu Dhabi World Games in 2019. “Her involvement in sports has not only given her a sense of purpose and pride, but also taught her valuable life skills. She’s now a more confident, self-reliant, and independent young woman.” 

Muskan’s journey shows that with the right opportunities, girls and women with intellectual disabilities can not only succeed but excel in ways that challenge preconceived notions about their abilities.  

As we celebrated International Women’s Day, we honored the incredible women and girls in our lives. Let’s continue to support them in staying in the game—because when women play, they rise!

The post Strength in Every Step: Women and Girls in Sports  appeared first on Human RACE.

Riya, a 22-year-old athlete from Special Olympics Bharat, who is about to compete on the global stage at the World Winter Games (WWG) 2025 in Turin, Italy, shares her journey:

“People used to tease me, saying that I do not have it in me to be a sportsperson. But after I joined Special Olympics Bharat, not only was my confidence boosted, but it also showed others that I have what it takes to be a successful player.”

Riya’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination, family support, and the unifying power of sport.

Growing up in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh in a low-income agricultural family, Riya’s early life was steeped in isolation and discouragement. She recalls, “Previously in school, when people did not know me, I was often overlooked by teachers and bullied by peers. I felt invisible and undervalued. But ever since I joined the movement, people have started recognising me as a good athlete and treated me nicely.”

In 2015, she was introduced to sport when she joined Special Olympics Bharat through the Ganpati Educational Society, an NGO working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Riya’s journey began with the first-ever race camp held in Solan, a city in India, in 2016, where she discovered her passion for sport. Over time, she participated in multiple sports, including racing, badminton, and football, before choosing floorball as her primary sport. Each competition at the district, state, and national levels not only honed her athletic skills but also played a crucial role in rebuilding her self-confidence and sense of belonging.

Today, Riya’s daily routine reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her mornings start with vigorous physical exercise that fuels her body, mind, and spirit, setting the stage for training sessions, academic responsibilities, and household chores.

Beyond sport, Riya has embraced leadership—captaining her team at the nationals in Gujarat and organising football camps. Her role extends into teaching floorball at her school, where she passes on the skills and confidence she has so diligently built. Moreover, she took ownership of strategising for the upcoming World Winter Games, a goal that drives her every day as she prepares to compete on a global stage.

Family support has been a cornerstone of her success, particularly her mother’s unwavering encouragement. This support, combined with her own perseverance, has transformed people’s perceptions of her into a celebrated athlete and role model.

Riya’s remarkable progress is reflected in her achievements on the field. From winning races to securing her place on the national Special Olympics team, every milestone underscores her hard work and dedication. Her story is not merely about personal triumph but also about inspiring others—demonstrating that with the right opportunities and persistent effort, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Her heartfelt message resonates with everyone who has ever been doubted. As she puts it, “Don’t pay attention to what people say; they will always undermine your capabilities. Keep pushing your boundaries to achieve milestones and just believe in yourself.” Her words encapsulate the essence of her journey—a narrative of transformation, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Riya’s story, like many strong women we know, serves as a powerful reminder that women everywhere, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have the potential to rise above perceived limitations and create their own unique paths to success. We see you; we celebrate you; we are proud of you.

The post Riya’s Journey: From Isolation to the World Winter Games 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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Bocce, a game of precision and strategy, is more than just a sport for Kar Soon, who is now 42 years old. Bocce is a passion that was first sparked off in school where he was recruited by a teacher to take part in Special Olympics Singapore’s activities. Since then, his life has been transformed.

Competitions like the World Games are now a welcome opportunity for him to challenge himself. As he puts it. “I feel happy, but when there’s a very strong opponent, I really try my best to win,” he says. Yet, the pressure does not deter him. “I tell myself not to be scared, and instead relax and enjoy the game,” he shares.

Overcoming challenges has been a part of Kar Soon’s journey. Earlier in life he had to undergo multiple surgeries on his hand and face. These operations seemingly threatened to derail his sporting dreams, especially since his grip strength was affected. Nevertheless, his fighting spirit prevailed and Kar Soon took part in multiple local competitions before competing internationally at the World Games.

For Kar Soon, inclusion is ultimately about being understanding and showing empathy. “More tolerance, more kindness, more patience,” he suggests are essential in building a more inclusive society.

Next up, Kar Soon wants to travel the world and continue to play bocce. More recently, he’s looking to further hone his leadership skills and is part of the new batch of Athlete Leaders for Special Olympics Singapore in 2024. Kar Soon’s story is one of discipline, tenacity and determination. As he puts it, “I am a dream chaser.” And indeed, he is pursuing those dreams, one roll of the bocce ball at a time.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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As he steps onto the court, Hoang’s otherwise shy demeanour seemingly fades. Speaking on the sidelines at the World Games in Berlin last year, he said: “I’m thrilled by the challenge of overcoming obstacles.” For him, victory isn’t just about winning; it’s about the journey of self-discovery and growth that comes with it.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Hoang dreams of a bright future ahead. “My dream is to become a professional athlete,” he said. It’s a dream fuelled by his belief that youth have the power to change the world.

In his pursuit of a pro-level career in sports, Hoang finds strength in the support of his community. “My teacher at school has been my guide in helping me discover my love for sport, encouraging me every step of the way,” he acknowledges, grateful for the care and mentorship that has shaped his development and growth. Hoang’s introduction to the Special Olympics was after all through his teacher at school.

Yet, Hoang understands that ultimately, true progress and genuine inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, requires more than just individual effort—it demands collective action and societal change. “To live in a community, I need help from society to develop so I can smoothly integrate into the general community,” he said.

“Society must be more inclusive, creating opportunities for all,” he asserts, emphasising the importance of unity and solidarity in building a brighter future for every individual, regardless of abilities.

“Though the World Games initially felt very big and professional, I realised it was a great opportunity to communicate with people from other countries as well,” Hoang stated.

As Hoang stands on the world stage, representing Vietnam with pride, his journey serves as a message for youth everywhere. It’s a reminder that with dedication, hard work and strong support networks, dreams can indeed come true.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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The 2023 World Games in Berlin were a highly anticipated platform for athletes from all over the world to showcase their talent and hard work. For some, like cyclists from Special Olympics Bharat (India) and Special Olympics Pakistan, their sporting dreams were initially limited by poor quality bicycles and gear. In fact, during an earlier World Games in 1999, both countries’ teams had to contend with damaged bicycles due to poor transportation practices.

Reflecting on these challenges, Satbir Singh Sahota, coach of Special Olympics Bharat, said: “Most athletes are from below the poverty line. It is very difficult for them to keep up, especially in a sport like cycling where bicycles and equipment are costly. Unlike sports like football or basketball, you need good equipment.”

Tracy Lea, a longstanding Special Olympics (SO) volunteer official for global cycling events, was one of those who noticed the lack of proper equipment for teams from India and Pakistan back in 1999. She recalled seeing the bicycle frames from the two teams crushed as they had been shipped in cardboard boxes rather than hard, protective cases.

After seeing a repeat of broken and substandard equipment over the years, Tracy canvassed multiple companies hoping for donations. However, efforts to secure proper equipment for the Indian and Pakistani delegations had often fallen short.

Finally, in 2022, a breakthrough came when Gina Vanderloop, CEO of ROI Solutions, made a pivotal US$10,000 donation. This critical financial gift enabled the purchase of new bikes, helmets, and spare parts for both teams. The logistical challenges of shipping were also overcome with the support of Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP), who managed direct and timely delivery to India and Pakistan so that athletes from both countries could train properly for the upcoming games.

The coaches even participated in a joint training session conducted by Lea ahead of the World Games in Berlin, picking up tips on packing the bicycles safely in hard cases and learning what important spare parts are needed, when travelling for major competitions.

Adil Lakho, coach of SO Pakistan, added, “There is a huge difference and impact that SOAP and SO Pakistan has created after these athletes join the movement. The positive experiences and sense of community the athletes gain here will equip them to become productive members of society upon returning home.”

With the new equipment and gear in hand, athletes like V. Indu Prakash and Mughees Alam were able to shine on the global stage. Prakash even went on to win gold in the 1km time trial. 

As Satbir Singh Sahota aptly summarised, “We are thankful for the donations of excellent cycles because of which we are here today. We couldn’t come to the Games with our regular cycles. This would not have been possible without all the help we received.” 

He added, “Winning medals is secondary. Our primary focus is reintegrating them back into mainstream society. Inclusion is a core value of Special Olympics. My goal is for them to become independent and stand on their own.” 

Reflecting on the broader significance, Tracy Lea observed, “Politics can sometimes divide India and Pakistan, but in Special Olympics, the focus is always on the athletes and creating a space for them to thrive.”  

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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