There is often confusion among the public when it comes to differentiating the Special Olympics and the Paralympics. Not only within Brunei, but elsewhere around the world also.

The main difference between the two organisations is the type of disabilities the individual has.

The Special Olympics comprises of participants that are eight-years-old and above that have intellectual disabilities.

These are cognitive delay, development disability in general learning and adaptive skills. They may also possess a physical disability.

The Paralympics, on the other hand, falls under six disability categories which are spinal injuries, visual impairment, amputees, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and Les Autres, which are other disabilities which do not fall under the said categories.

Athletes from both organisations must fall under one of the categories mentioned to be eligible to participate in either of the Special Olympics or Paralympics.

With strong support from the Paralympic Council of Brunei Darussalam (BDPC) and Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD), Bruneians who fall under these categories have the ability to partake in sports such as athletics, cycling and football and many others.

Last Saturday SOBD made history when they sent off their first ever golfer Ahmad Zharfan Ahmadiah at only age 14 to take part in the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Golf Masters Tournament in Macau, China.

The BDPC also boasts a world number one ranked para-athlete, Shari Hj Juma'at, who ended 2012 by holding the top spot internationally for the javelin F55 (normal upper limb function and who may have partial to normal trunk function and no leg function) field wheelchair event.

Shari has been blessed with opportunities to showcase his talent in past competitions, including the recent 2012 Paralympics in London.

It is important that the nation fully support these athletes to help expose their talents globally and at the same time, make the nation proud.

Courtesy from Brunei Times