Some 200 people attended the launch of the Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD) Youth Activation Programme and Athlete Leadership Programme (ALP) at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at the Royal Brunei Police Force's headquarters in Gadong on Sunday.

Present as the guest of honour was SOBD chairperson Hj Mahrub Hj Murni.

SOBD organised the programmes to look for a new pool of athletes for future competitions.

The sports that are being offered are bocce, bowling, equestrian and football, as well as the new additions of basketball, swimming, among others.

Medals won by SOBD athletes were also on showcase during the event.

Their biggest achievement to date was winning three gold, three silver and four bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece.

Volunteers also shared their experience on how to interact with people with learning disabilities, saying that they have the same amount of passion and, at times, a greater desire to live and experience life than most people.

According to a press release sent by SOBD, the Youth Activation Programme has been introduced in 23 secondary schools in which there are prevocational programmes.

Each of the 23 schools was represented by two youths one from prevocational programme and other from mainstream programme at the launch.

The main aim is to encourage interaction, build friendships and foster communication between youths without disabilities and those with disabilities within their own direct community.

On the other hand, the ALP is aimed at empowering athletes to become leaders by developing skills such as self-confidence, assertiveness and presentation skills.

It is aimed at older athletes who are articulate and confident, and SOBD hope the athletes will become spokespeople for SOBD during future events.

Courtesy from Brunei Times