KUCHING: The Special Olympics Sarawak 2025 State Games officially opened last night (May 2) at the Dewan Hikmah Exchange Event Centre with a lively and heartwarming ceremony attended by athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across the state.
Officiated by Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Special Olympics Sarawak president, the ceremony marked the start of the 7th edition of the Games, which features 352 athletes from five contingents which are Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
A key moment of the evening was the march-in of contingents, followed by the reading of the Special Olympics Games oath, as athletes proudly pledged their commitment to fair play.
This year’s Special Olympics, taking place from May 2 to 5, will see competition in seven sports which are badminton, bocce, ten-pin bowling, table tennis, swimming, football, and track and field.
Two new chapters, Samarahan and Bintulu, were introduced this year, expanding the reach of the Special Olympics.
The night also featured a moving sign language performance of the national anthem “Negaraku” and state anthem “Ibu Pertiwiku” by SeDidik preschoolers.
Entertainment performances added to the festive atmosphere, with singing contributions by SMK Tabuan Jaya, PPKI SMK Kota Samarahan, and PPDK Sri Satok, while PPKI SMK Kota Samarahan and PPDK Petra Jaya delivered energetic dance performances. A live band kept spirits high throughout the evening.
The Special Olympics will continue over the next three days, concluding with a closing ceremony on May 5.
