Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – The Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) of Malang City held a selection and recruitment of talented athletes from among children with special needs or people with disabilities. They will later represent Malang City at the 2018 Paralympic National Championship which will be held in August.
As many as 200 young athletes showed off their skills in the selection event which was held for two days, namely Monday (5/3) to Tuesday (6/3) in several predetermined locations.
Head of Malang City Youth and Sports Agency Drs. Nuzul Nurcahyono said, although they are classified as special needs children, hundreds of children from Elementary School, Junior High School, Senior High School and Vocational School levels were seen enthusiastically participating in the selection and recruitment of talented athletes. "The enthusiasm of these children consisting of deaf, mute and mentally retarded children deserves to be appreciated," he said, Tuesday (6/3).
A total of 200 disabled athletes from 14 special education institutions and 13 inclusive schools participated in four sports. The sports competed were badminton, table tennis, swimming and athletics.
"In the Paralympic event held in Solo in November 2017, the Malang City contingent representing East Java Province achieved quite satisfactory achievements. Malang City won two gold medals from badminton and one bronze medal from athletics," added Nuzul.
He further said that this selection was carried out quite strictly, considering that Malang City wanted to carve out better achievements than last year. "In addition, these young athletes will also be prepared to participate in various championships, from regional to international levels," he continued.
"Through this selection and recruitment, it is hoped that young athletes with disabilities will be born. So that in the future the Malang City contingent can speak more in various events and championship levels," concluded Nuzul. (say/yon)
