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.

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.

The post Champion of Inclusion – Ronak Lakhani setting the multiplier effect in motion appeared first on Human RACE.

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.

The post Athlete Leaders  Leading the Way: Driving Inclusion Across Asia Pacific appeared first on Human RACE.

Donald Soor, a youth leader with intellectual disabilities from Papua New Guinea, remembers being bullied because of his disability. Making friends was a struggle, and speaking in front of others  was extremely stressful for the shy young man. 

Things however started to change when he got involved with Special Olympics Papua New Guinea as a youth leader advocating for people with intellectual disabilities in schools.

“That’s where I met Sylvester. We were paired to visit schools and talk about inclusion. I remember being nervous the first time. I didn’t know what to say. But Sylvester was beside me, and that helped,” recalls Donald.

“He used to stay in his comfort zone,” Sylvester Nandawo, Donald’s unified partner and fellow youth leader, recalls. “Now, he speaks to students and builds awareness.”

Since then, Donald has continued visiting schools with Sylvester, sharing his experiences of being excluded, and how on the flip slide,  being included and given the opportunity to lead, has changed things up for him. Each time he speaks up, he shows other students that it’s possible to step forward, even when it’s difficult.

“I didn’t think I could speak in front of others,” Donald says. “Now I want to help others do the same.”

In Pakistan, another youth leader is helping shift perspectives in his own way.

Meet Musa Hannan, a youth leader with intellectual disabilities, who grew up with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),  from Pakistan. Through Special Olympics Pakistan, he became part of a school awareness programme where he was paired with Talha Asif, his unified partner and a developmental therapist. Together, they speak to students about what inclusion means, and how small actions can make a real difference.

“My strategy is to include everyone despite their differences,” Musa says.

Talha also shares, “Inclusion gives students the confidence to participate, to speak, to belong.” He adds, “I’ve seen how just talking about these things openly help others think differently. It helps them understand that people with intellectual disabilities want the same things: respect, connection, and a chance to spark change.”

The school visits aren’t just about awareness – they are about shifting mindsets and making space for new friendships to grow. 

Musa and Donald’s leadership and sharing of their lived experiences in schools, reinforce that  inclusion isn’t a mere concept. It’s something that can, and should be applied daily.

Inclusive classrooms ultimately benefit all learners 

Educators like Laarni R. Alejandro, Principal of P. Villanueva Elementary School, in the Philippines, similarly echo the holistic benefits of inclusive education for all children.

“Inclusivity is strengthened in our school. Learners are more exposed and have the opportunity to strengthen not only their sports inclination but also their physical, social, mental, emotional, and holistic well-being,” she says. 

She was speaking earlier this year at a milestone event where Philippines became the first country in Asia Pacific to officially join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. 

Inclusion doesn’t have to be grandiose. It can begin with a small act of kindness, an open mind, the courage to listen and step out of our comfort zone, as our youth leaders demonstrate. These are the moments that build understanding and bridge differences – the foundation for creating inclusive classrooms and education for all. To follow more stories like these, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post Celebrating Youth Leaders Inclusive Education 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.

The post Dancing Towards Her Dreams: Megan Tang’s Journey of Perseverance and Passion  appeared first on Human RACE.

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.

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.

The post Tender Hearts: Gaining independence & purpose through acts of service appeared first on Human RACE.

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.

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