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.

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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. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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

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

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

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

Laying the Foundation: Overcoming Early Hardships 

Making history, however, started off humbly.

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

Identical twins, Identical choices?

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

A Triumph to Remember

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

Beyond the Medal: Unity in Diversity

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

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

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

Human Race shares a few affirmations that can be referenced when speaking to family members or loved ones with intellectual disabilities to help them feel seen, valued and loved.

1. Be yourself, you have so much to offer: People with intellectual disabilities are unique individuals with their own talents, strengths and skills. By encouraging your loved one to embrace who they are s, you can help them see their worth and the positive impact they can have on their community.

2. You are not less worthy because of your disability: It’s important to remind individuals with intellectual disabilities that their worth is not defined by their disability. Reinforce their strengths and remind them that despite the challenges they face, they are just as worthy and deserving of love, respect and opportunities as anyone else.

3. You are seen, you are loved, and you are valued: In a world that often neglects or dismisses people with intellectual disabilities, it’s essential to remind them that they are not invisible. By expressing love and appreciation for who they are, you help them feel seen, valued and loved, which can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and confidence.

4. I believe in you and your potential: People with intellectual disabilities can do great things with the right support and training. Special Olympics Asia Pacific athletes demonstrate a plethora of talents – be that writing, teaching, athletics, music, or art! Many are survivors, overcoming considerable difficulties, to thrive in their respective vocations. By affirming their worth and supporting them in pursuing their goals and dreams, you can help them achieve great things and reach their full potential.

Affirmations can be a powerful tool for empowering and encouraging individuals with intellectual disabilities. By sincerely acknowledging their strengths, affirming their worth, and believing in their potential, we can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. Support us in our cause! To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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1. Provide them space to discover their talents   

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

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

2. Allow them to fight their own battles  

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

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

3. Be a positive role model  

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

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

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

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Have you ever had a dream that seemed impossible to achieve? I did, but I never gave up, and today, with the support of my friends and family, I’m living it.

My name is Carl Jason Garcia. I am a dance instructor, Special Olympics basketball athlete, bocce medalist, advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, and best of all – the life of the party! 

I’m the youngest among 3 siblings and my family pampers me. My father serves in the Philippine Marine Corps, and my mother has a full-time job as well. When I was born, my aunt gave up her career to support my parents in raising me. As a child, my immunity was low and I came down with the bug often, but my family was thankful that I did not have any other major health conditions that were more common in children with Down Syndrome, such as heart defects and vision problems. 

I am fortunate to have grown up in an inclusive environment where I was protected, well-loved, and surrounded by family and friends who believed in what I could achieve. They enrolled me in sports with Special Olympics almost 10 years ago, in my early teens. There, I met many fellow athletes with intellectual disabilities who faced bullying and discrimination in their communities, and who were isolated because of the perception that they are unable to contribute meaningfully to society. I want to show the world that this is not true.

In school, I didn’t excel academically. But I always knew my way around tasks that involved movement. I grew up with the dream of being a dancer and I knew in my heart that I was always meant to be one. In fact, I’m often told that my gift of dancing extends beyond performing, as I demonstrate the ability to engage people and let them follow the rhythm of my movement. It’s said that I’m a natural!

Dance gave me a way to express myself and the confidence to be who I truly wanted to be. When I hear music, my feet just start moving. People often stare, but I let them. It is who I am, and I’m not ashamed. 

I didn’t know where to start so I began sharing my dance videos on social media. It wasn’t until my friends at Special Olympics stepped in that I got closer to my dream of becoming a dance instructor. They provided me training with a professional dance artist – Krista Roma. My dance lessons are now the highlight of my week. I have learnt so much, and I look forward to meeting Krista every week to develop proper techniques and learn more dance styles.

I was also given the opportunity to showcase my talent and lead regular dance sessions with my fellow Special Olympics athletes in the Philippines. I gained confidence as a performer and a teacher. During the pandemic, I even conducted online Zumba lessons not just for the Special Olympics community in my country, but for participants from all over the world. I’m so glad to be able to use my gift to spread the message of joy and resilience through dance during one of the world’s most difficult times. 

My personal mantra is, treat others the way you want to be treated. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Yes, kindness is the new cool. That’s why I always greet everyone, from neighbours to strangers at the mall. My friends joke that I wave at people as if I’m running for president! I don’t mind if strangers find it odd at first. It gives me happiness, and it sure brings a smile to their faces!

Dance brings joy to the world, and that is my purpose. For all who have a dream, chase it relentlessly and be brave in your attempt. Let your dream be bigger than your fears!

To give thousands of people like Carl the platform to spread their wings and achieve their dreams, join our cause! Follow  @soasiapacific and @humanraceasia to know more.

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I am an apprentice aluminium joiner, race car driver, basketball coach, and former athletes’ representative on New Zealand’s Special Olympics Board. I also have a full-time job at Design Windows Nelson and I’m a proud father of two.

In the eyes of many, I’m living the dream. What they don’t see is that juggling all my interests and responsibilities while living with an intellectual disability can mean that sometimes, I overstretch myself. But I believe in giving my best in all that I do.

My daughters, Lilly-Rose and Violet, are the lights of my life! Simple joys like making breakfast for them and dropping them off at school are the highlights of my day. Sometimes, spending quality time with my family gets difficult, but we always find a way. To me, family is the most important thing in this world.

I often struggle with reading and writing, since my disability mostly affects my speech. Sometimes, I have to say one sentence five times for people to understand. I used to speak really fast. But I’ve learnt to slow down and speak clearly now.  

Growing up, I got picked on and bullied in school. But that didn’t stop me from going after my passion. I always showed a flair for sport. At primary school, I played basketball, cricket, and took part in track and field. Only after I left school was I introduced to Special Olympics. Being a shy kid throughout school, I was surprised at my own capabilities and discovered a side to me that even I didn’t know. I was a leader, a public speaker, and an advocate!

Ever since High School, I dreamt of representing my country. This became reality when I was selected to attend the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai. I returned with a gold medal and decided to give back to the field of basketball, a sport that got me where I am today. Basketball taught me the biggest lesson in life, which I now often tell my students. That is – if you miss a shot, keep going; if you fall, just get back up. Because if you don’t try, you don’t succeed. So never stop trying! 

Through it all, my wife Nyssa has been my pillar of support. She’s always right there, looking out for me. We have been married for 13 years. Our daughters, now aged 9 and 2, are the most important thing in both of our lives.

“What I love about Graeme is how he makes me smile with his quirky comments. He might have a disability, but it just doesn’t matter, as long as you are in love and you know there’s so much more to a person than their disability!” – Nyssa Porter, Graeme’s wife.

I’m grateful for this little world I’ve been blessed with. Life may not always be perfect, but I’m learning to be a better dad, a better human, and better athlete every single day. I’ve found that in life if you give respect to others, you get respect back. My wish is simple – just to be happy and pretty much enjoy what I do!

To be an ally and learn the stories of people with intellectual disabilities like Graeme, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post My Perfectly Imperfect Little World appeared first on Human RACE.

–  Hanako Sawayama

Meet Hanako Sawayama, a decorated athlete who has spent almost three decades advocating for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. She is a full-time employee of Special Olympics Asia Pacific serving as an administrative assistant as well as an advisor on the Regional Athlete Input Council. Want to be her ally and join her in creating a more inclusive world? Let’s take the first step by getting a glimpse into her typical day.

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Growing up with Intellectual Disability 

At the tender age of 7, when most children are learning to ride a bike or jump rope, Florence was diagnosed with intellectual disability. This, for her, meant needing more time to learn and getting used to the momentum of new activities. A saying goes ‘fall down seven times, stand up eight’, and that’s exactly what Florence did. Through her passion and never-say-die attitude, she graduated from the ASPN Delta Senior School with a Work Skills Qualification (WSQ) certification in retail operations. A Valedictorian of her batch, an esteemed member of The Purple Symphony (a local all-inclusive orchestra), an Athlete Leader with Special Olympics, this young girl can do it all (and then some!) 

Getting a step closer to her dream 

Studying in APSN Delta brought Florence a step closer to her dream of working in retail. She was first introduced to UNIQLO Singapore through their retail training space in her school. During this training, she felt intrigued by the clothing displays and retail culture and realized that this might just be her calling. She joined the Work Experience Program and let her passion lead the way.  Her positive attitude scored her the gig. “I was over the moon when my trainer came and announced that I’d been selected for the program,” she says. 

The journey with UNIQLO 

On her first day, Florence was up before sunrise.  “I recall being filled with energy the night before as I was putting together my work attire for the day,” she says. Stepping into a new job with new colleagues was intimidating, but Florence was quick to adapt with the support and help of her trainers and work buddies. She recalls, “Throughout the training, I was taught different skills that a retail staff requires, from the preparation of stocks to attending to customers’ queries.” As she gained more confidence and independence in the training, she soon unlocked another milestone. She was offered a permanent position in the store, with the responsibility of managing the stockroom and running the sales floor. 

Challenges overcame  

The job came with its challenges. Florence struggled to attend to inquiries from Mandarin-speaking customers. When she was overwhelmed, she would approach her work buddies for help.  They would patiently help her break down the tasks into simplified steps. She also found her own way to de-stress.  “At home, writing about my daily experiences in my diary and playing the guzheng calm me down”, she says.  On working in an inclusive environment, she shares that her team “treats me just like any other colleague”, allowing her to carry out her daily tasks without being reminded of her disability. She adds, “Knowing I have the support of my colleagues whenever I face difficulties at work keeps me motivated and really boosts my confidence.” 

Do you know someone who is neurodiverse at your workplace? How have you helped make your workplace a more inclusive one? With your support, kindness, and acceptance, we can all do our part to give everyone the opportunities they deserve to fulfill their dreams and succeed in life!  

Credit: Article adapted from Zula.sg  

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