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.

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.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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

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.

The post Game on, change the world: A Vietnamese athlete’s call for inclusion appeared first on Human RACE.

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.

The post Gearing up for glory: How new bikes helped level the playing field appeared first on Human RACE.

Her keen eye spotted the potential in both athletes, believing that they could represent Special Olympics Fiji at the 2023 Berlin World Games.

The prospect of competing in an unfamiliar sport in the Games was daunting. Badminton itself was a completely new sport for Teresia and Vuetasau. There was also a lack of professional sporting facilities or major competitions for athletes with ID in Fiji. Yet, Tagici’s dedication and trust in her athletes shone through.

“This is a first-time experience for them to have such a competition,” Tagici explained. “We don’t have competitions such as this. We just play amongst ourselves. And badminton is not a well-known sport either back in Fiji.”

“I train them on how to hold a racquet, how to play with a shuttle, how to serve. Those are little steps, unlike other countries where they are well familiar with badminton rules, here we are learning the rules as we go by,” she continued.

Tagici’s commitment went beyond coaching techniques. To facilitate twice-daily training and transportation challenges, Teresia and Vuetasau lived and trained intensively at her house for the last three months before the games. This shared living fostered a close-knit family bond in the lead-up to the games.

The journey to the games led to many firsts for both athletes. For instance, it was their first time to Berlin.

“It’s an honor to be here and we are very much privileged, happy and excited to participate in the World Games… this is a new experience altogether,” Tagici said. “Playing in such a competition at this higher level with other teams from other countries. It’s been a learning experience for us.”

In the face of challenges, Tagici’s belief in her athletes’ grit and talent paid off. Their improvement was evident. Tagici reminds wider society that ultimately, inclusion needs to be holistic. While the World Games has been good exposure for people with ID, she stresses that inclusive behavior needs to be practiced widely in our daily lives, beyond just sports and competitions. “Some parts of society just leave them at home and don’t include them. Inclusion is for everybody.”

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post To serve with love: A Fiji coach’s story appeared first on Human RACE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post More than just speed: Uncovering Irving’s inner champion appeared first on Human RACE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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