INITIATIVES aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities (OKU) to actively participate in both national and international sports events have been paying off in the state.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said these efforts not only provide opportunities but also elevate the potential and dignity of OKU athletes on the world stage.
“One of the key highlights was the 7th Special Olympics Sarawak State Games, held from May 2-5 this year, organised by the Ministry through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) in collaboration with Special Olympics Kuching Chapter,”she said.

She said this in her ministerial winding-up speech during the DUN sitting here Tuesday (May 27).
“The biennial event gathered 461 participants, including 358 athletes with intellectual disabilities, five heads of delegation, and 98 officials from five chapters — Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. Seven sports were contested namely, badminton, tenpin bowling, bocce, table tennis, football, athletics, and swimming.
“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to empowering the OKU community through sports. We want them to know they are valued, capable, and supported to achieve their dreams — both on and off the field,” she said.
She said 56 outstanding athletes were selected to represent Sarawak at the Special Junior Developmental Sports Carnival 2025, to be held in Ipoh, Perak from June 27 to 30.
“Internationally, the Sarawak government allocated RM825,100 in grants to support OKU athletes’ participation abroad. At the IBF Para Bowling World Championships 2025 in Hong Kong, 19 para tenpin bowlers represented Malaysia, achieving remarkable success.
“Abang Yahya Abang Azhar and Marcos Chang Hao Hong each won individual and all-event gold medals in their respective categories. Overall, the Sarawak team brought home four golds, five silvers, and one bronze,”she said.
In Dubai’s 6th FAZZA Para Badminton International 2025, Sarawak para badminton players Ashley Irenaeus Jack and Nurzammiezatul Syafiqqah Mohamad Zamberi joined the national contingent, contributing to Malaysia’s medal tally.
Notably, first-time international competitor Nurzammiezatul Syafiqqah secured a bronze in the SH6 Mixed Doubles category.
Sarawak’s excellence was further recognised at the 2024 National Sports Awards on May 13, where Bonnie Bunyau Gustin was named National Paralympic Sportsman of the Year.
He earned the accolade after winning gold in the men’s 72 kg powerlifting events at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.