This article is a sort of preamble to the next article which talks about the games itself. Last month, I attended the 8th National Special Olympic Games. It’s a rather quiet event held at the rather well-known NUS stadium. If you think I’m talking about the Paralympics I’m not. For anyone who’s confused, here’s the main difference. The Paralympics is a sporting competition for persons with physically disabilities while the Special Olympics is one for those with intellectual disabilities such as( but not limited to) Autism and Down Syndrome.

Anyway, I’ve always found it interesting that everyone has heard of the Paralympics but not the Special Olympics. I think that maybe the stigma in Singapore against mental conditions-either an illness or a disability is far greater than that against those with physical impairments.

I honestly feel that this situation is because of a lack of awareness about intellectual disabilities and also the false understanding that people with such conditions are invalids. In fact I’m certain that there are people who having read up to this point are feeling uncomfortable.

Anyway, I only make such lofty statements because of my observations of the interactions between members of the public and students with intellectual disabilities when I taught at a school for children with special needs. Basically when the students go out in public to learn travelling skills, people stare, cover their children’s eyes, make comments about them making too much noise at eateries etc.

You can read more about my takeaways from the experience in this article that was published in the Straits Times some time ago.




Here’re a few observations of my ex-students that I think we can all learn from (for those of you who are too lazy to read the article haha):

1) A positive attitude trumps everything- These people are always positive about their circumstances. Even when they’re upset over something, they get over it quickly and find something to make themselves happy. This is something I personally struggle with and they really made me see that it is important not to dwell on the negative to ruin future happiness.

2) It’s easier to trust those who don’t hurt others ON PURPOSE- When my students shouted or hit someone it was purely because of anger or frustration. The lack of an intention to hurt someone was what made working and playing with them so refreshing. I found myself very comfortable with them even when one or two naughtier students threw tantrums, because it’s much easier to forgive someone who shows he is upset without any ulterior motives

3) Expectations, what great expectations we all have. - If you want to be happier, lose your expectations. The golden rule is that the fewer expectations you have, the happier you are. My students had very few expectations of others and they were contented with whatever they had, and that was how they kept so positive in the first place.

4) There are few feelings more fulfilling than knowing you are sincerely appreciated-Well, let’s put it this way. I knew I was accepted and liked by the students when they invited me to join in a game which involved poking fun at and imitating the other teachers. Yes, I’m cool like that.

And one boy gave me this sticker to reward me for ‘good helping’ in his class one day.



My experience working with persons with special needs began long before that when I was in primary school and I attended events such as carnivals at the schools. Perhaps this exposure has made me more comfortable with the topic and people than the average individual. But honestly, after a while I began to admire them more than anything. I guess it’s true with all positive people that after a while you don’t notice their flaws and inadequacies so much anymore.

Why I write about this is because I can’t help but feel that in a world that demands that we progress and adapt at a pace too quick to be comfortable, this group of people are always left behind. And of course they have voices of their own. But it’s nowhere near loud enough to be heard over the chatter of everyone else and their own concerns.

But everybody needs an outlet and a platform for self-expression. That’s why sports are so important for the students, because it gives them purpose, a sense of achievement and most importantly shiny medals. ;)



I’ll talk more about the actual games and events in the next post. More pics to come I promise!:)

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