The Special Olympics movement now serves over 5.7 million athletes with intellectual disabilities globally, a 5% increase from 2018. Activities are also available in 250 Programs across 200 countries.

Specific to the Asia Pacific region, our total athlete and unified partner count is now close to 2.5m, 8% higher than 2018. At an all-time high, there are now 365,641 young athletes in the region which means a 42% spike compared to the year before.

These and more highlights can be found in the latest census unveiled earlier this month which includes both the global reach report and the regional figures.

Essilor Vision Foundation held a Real Talk session earlier this month to share about their giving activities to better influence and inspire the community. They invited Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional President and Managing Director Dipak Natali to share his perspectives on inclusion and the role sports can play in empowering people with intellectual disabilities.

 “We focus on providing everyday opportunities to take part in sport. It is not necessarily about the performance that you have on the field, in any sport, or reaching a pinnacle of sporting excellence. It is really about giving someone who has never had a chance, in our case people with intellectual disabilities, to show people what they can do and also to prove to themselves what they are capable of.”

Special Olympics Asia Pacific was invited to be part of a panel discussion at the recent Asia Pacific Youth Symposium, organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB) Youth for Asia.

“People with intellectual disabilities are generally worried and anxious about Covid-19. Many of them lack access to basic necessities. And for as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world, these experiences of isolation and anxiety are already part of their everyday lives because of stigmatization and of exclusion,“ said Bella Choo, Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Youth Initiatives manager who shared about the impact of Covid-19 on young people with ID.

SOAP LAUNCHES SPORTS INPUT COUNCIL

 With Effect from 1 August 2020, the Regional Unified Sports Advisory Committee (RUSAC) and the Training and Competition Advisory Committee (TCAC) will be replaced by the SOAP Sports Input Council (SIC).  The SIC will be SOAP’s key sports advisory body and shall work towards developing the integrity of regional sports development pathways aligned to the global strategic plan 2021 – 2024, and aims to foster a cohesive culture of inclusion, meaningful involvement and transparent governance in sports across the Asia Pacific region.

During the inaugural meeting on 14th August, the SIC introduced a multi-year sport plan as a tool to identify Program needs for capacity building support in 2021 and beyond.

Sports Input Council Members:
Rachaniwan Bulakul Chair – SO Thailand
Ronak Lakhani – SO Pakistan
Frank Thornton – SO Nippon
Gary Peacham – SO New Zealand
Stephanie Ngirchoimei – SO Palau
Coen van Putten – SOAP Sports Manager

SUPPORT FOR #1000CRANESFORINCLUSION
GOES GLOBAL

As the #1000CranesforInclusion campaign takes flight all across the globe, we’re glad to see more advocates being part of the activation and making it their own.

 

Check out this creative video by the Global Youth Engagement Team.

The campaign also got a special shout-out from Indonesia's Minister of Social Justice Juliari P Batubara and Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo who joined in the recent celebrations of Special Olympics Indonesia 's 31st anniversary, creating their very own cranes in a show of support for the campaign.

YOUTH-LED "HOW-TO" WEBINAR
TAKES ON YOGA

Led by SO Pakistan athlete leader and Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Haseeb Abbasi and SO Bharat athlete leader Shrey Kadian, the session saw over 80 participants taking part in a relaxing weekend yoga session, the third in a series of "How-to" webinars organised by the SOAP’s Regional Youth Input Council and Regional Athlete Input Council.

INTRODUCING THE SCHOOL OF STRENGTH CAREGIVER KIT

Good health starts at home. Pair this latest Caregiver kit by Special Olympics together with the School of Strength workout videos to encourage good fitness and nutrition habits.

SEEKING FEEDBACK FOR
SO COACHING PARTNER ICOACHKIDS

Special Olympics coaching partner iCoachKids is launching a new website later this year, and they need your help! They want your input on how to create a user-friendly experience on the website! Please take a moment to share your feedback in the survey below and help support a partner that continues to go above and beyond for the movement!