Ipoh: A total of 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities, aged between eight and 16, are expected to take part in the Perak Open Special Olympics ID Athletics Championship 2026, which will be held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gunung Rapat here on July 11.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ipoh Recreational Wellness Association (PPRSI) chairman Shanker Retinam stated that the inaugural championship is being organised in collaboration with Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH), Special Olympics Perak, and the state Education Department (JPN) to nurture sporting talent among individuals with intellectual disabilities. More than 300 athletes have already registered, with participation expected to reach 500 before registration closes on July 5.

Shanker emphasized that the championship will adopt a divisioning system, categorizing athletes according to their ability and current performance to ensure fair competition. Events for the intellectual disability category include the 100m, long jump, shot put, and 4x100m relay, while athletes with intellectual disabilities and lower physical functioning will compete in the 50m, standing long jump, and softball throw. Participation is free to encourage more special education students to earn co-curricular merit points.

Meanwhile, PCSH chief executive officer Nicholas Chan mentioned that the community hospital's involvement is part of its commitment to promoting community health through impactful social programmes. Since 1904, PCSH has been a non-profit community hospital focusing on education, prevention, and community support alongside treatment. Throughout the championship, PCSH will provide free health screening services to the public, alongside a range of side activities, including aerobics sessions.