TAR UMT and Special Olympics Malaysia launched their partnership with Inclusive Futsal Games, promoting education, sports and inclusion for people with IDD.
SPORT became a powerful platform for inclusion as Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) brought together students, volunteers and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for the Inclusive Futsal Games, while formalising a partnership to advance inclusivity through education and community engagement.
Held at the TAR UMT Arena last Saturday (July 11), the event saw more than 60 participants aged between 13 and 28 take part in specially adapted futsal matches designed to enable athletes with IDD, TAR UMT sports science students and SOM volunteers to compete side by side in a fun, balanced and supportive environment.
Beyond the friendly competition, the event marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the two organisations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed by TAR UMT vice-president Associate Professor Dr Chook Ka Joo and SOM president Bong Koi Sin, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting inclusivity through education, sport and community engagement.
For many students, the event also provided valuable hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
TAR UMT Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science student Veshal Varma Kanna described volunteering at the games as a rewarding experience that strengthened his communication and adaptability while preparing him for his upcoming internship with Paralympic Council Malaysia.
“This is the first time I have volunteered at an event like this, and it turned out to be a fun and energetic experience. It takes more energy and skill to adapt to the participants while ensuring it remains an enjoyable experience for everyone, but seeing how much they enjoyed playing futsal alongside everyone else was incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Chook said experiential programmes such as the Inclusive Futsal Games complement classroom learning by helping students develop practical skills, empathy and professionalism while fostering a greater appreciation for diversity.
“Activities like this provide our students with valuable experiential learning opportunities where they gain practical experience and develop communication, empathy and professional skills that cannot be acquired solely in the classroom.
“This is why TAR UMT looks forward to working with SOM, which shares our commitment and vision of creating an inclusive education and sporting environment where everyone can learn from one another through teamwork, friendship and mutual respect.
“This is also part of TAR UMT’s effort to raise awareness through education by encouraging interaction with and appreciation of all facets of society, while incorporating inclusivity into the learning process – just as our sports science students experienced here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bong said the collaboration reflects SOM’s mission to harness education and sport to empower individuals with IDD while nurturing future advocates for inclusion.
“Together with TAR UMT, SOM aims to leverage the strengths of education and sport to nurture a new generation of leaders who champion a more inclusive society and expand access to opportunities for individuals with IDD. We look forward to working with TAR UMT to realise this vision,” he said.
Special Olympics Malaysia is a registered non-profit organisation that provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to become active, confident and respected members of their communities.
