Bintulu to host Special Olympics National Games 2026

KUCHING (Jan 30): Sarawak is set to host the Special Olympics National Games 2026 from April 24 to 26, with Bintulu selected as the venue, said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

Speaking at a press conference after a preparatory meeting, Fatimah said the opening ceremony is scheduled for April 25, with the Premier of Sarawak expected to officiate, while the closing ceremony will be held on April 26.

She said the sixth edition of the sporting event will feature eight sports, all to be staged in Bintulu, involving an estimated 778 participants, including athletes, coaches, escorts and officials.

“As the host state, Sarawak will field 248 athletes, in line with the Special Olympics philosophy that emphasises participation over medal counts,” she said.

She noted that a total of 11 states and federal territories will take part, including Sarawak, Sabah, Penang, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Fatimah said the sports to be contested include athletics, aquatics, bocce, badminton, basketball, football, table tennis and bowling, with bowling making its debut at the Special Olympics National Games.

“Track and field will be held at Stadium Bintulu, swimming at the BDA Swimming Pool, while bocce and table tennis will take place at Stadium Muhibbah. Badminton matches will be staged at the B&G Badminton Centre, and bowling at the Megalanes Bowling Centre,” she said, adding that unified football 5-A-Side will be held at Kidurong Club.

In addition to the sporting events, the Games will also feature the Healthy Athletes Programme, providing free health screenings covering dental, vision, hearing, blood pressure and physical fitness.

“This programme is crucial as it allows athletes, many of whom may not otherwise have access to regular health screenings, to receive early detection and follow-up care,” she said, adding that the programme would involve cooperation from the Ministry of Health, Bintulu Divisional Health Office and volunteers.

Fatimah stressed that the Special Olympics National Games 2026 serves as a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate and showcase their talents.

“What Special Olympics emphasises is participation. As stated in its tagline: Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” she said.

“By participating, these athletes are already winners.”

Also present were Sarawak Ministry of Women, Children and Community Welfare (KPWK) permanent secretary Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe and Special Olympics Bintulu Chapter chairman Datuk Ruslan Abdul Ghani.