PRASTARS – A Special Children’s Badminton Championship

PRASTARS Special children with YB Howard Lee

Thirty two special needs children participated in a badminton tournament organized by Prastars Recreation and Welfare Club with cooperation of the Special Education Unit, Perak Education Department. 

Champs Luay Wing Yan and Muhamad Alif Shahir with
YB Howard

 State Youth and Sport Exco Howard Lee who handed out prizes at the event said that this is the first time a tournament was organized at club level in Perak saying that he was very encouraged that Prastars club had taken the initiative to organize the event.

The tournament was held at the YMCA badminton hall and was open to anyone who could hold a racquet.

Luay Wing Yan, 9 years old from SJKC Pasir Pinji won in the female category of the badminton tournament yesterday beating other players older and bigger that her.

Luay did not talk much unless spoken to but she was different person when playing the final against Nuraslina Mohd Safri her opponent. Luay’s serves and power smashes belie her age, size and agility.

At the final Luay Wing Yan defeated Nuraslina Mohd Safri.  

Luay - power smashes and confidence

Later when asked if she loved beating her opponents she flashed a big smile again belying what it was she was thinking of but her wide grin said it all.

Club President, Silvanathan K. Arunasalam said the club was the brainchild of the late Dr Prasad of KPJ Healthcare an orthopaedic surgeon who did a lot of charity.

“It was formed just six months ago by members of the public and professionals like doctors, lawyer and engineers with the objective of organizing sports events for intellectually disabled children, a first by a private sector.

We approached YB Howard. He was enthusiastic and happy that someone from the private sector gave this suggestion and provided a donation to kick start our initiative”.

Organizing committee member Dr Winson, said by having sports like badminton for intellectually disabled we are bringing them into society otherwise called social inclusion.

The Teachers

The Organizing Committee. President Silvanathan is seated 4th from left and Dr Winson is standing 3rd form right

It is during these events where their parents, volunteers and other groups follow and recognize them and help them to feel comfortable.

JAG