To promote an inclusive and unified future via education and sports, TAR UMT collaborated with Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) to host the Inclusive Futsal Games on 11 July 2026.

Held at TAR UMT Arena, over 60 participants aged 13 to 28, including athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), TAR UMT sports science students, and volunteers from SOM, attended the event. Teams comprised a healthy mix of athletes with IDD and volunteers, while the rules of the futsal games were modified to create an inclusive, balanced, and fun experience for everyone.

This interactive activity serves as a stepping stone for a formal collaboration between TAR UMT and SOM, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the event to mark a shared commitment towards promoting inclusivity through education, sports, and community engagement. The MoU was signed by Associate Professor Dr Chook Ka Joo, Vice President of TAR UMT, and Mr Bong Koi Sin, President of SOM.

The Inclusive Futsal Games have teams of athletes with IDD and volunteers playing together to create an inclusive and fun event for everyone.
 
Sharing his learning experience as one of the student volunteers, TAR UMT Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science student, Veshal Varma a/l Kanna said: “This is the first time I have volunteered for an event like this, and it turned out to be a fun and energetic experience. It does take more energy and skill to adapt to the participants while still making it a fun experience for everyone, but seeing how they truly enjoyed playing futsal alongside everyone was very rewarding. Being part of this event is also a great learning opportunity as I prepare for my internship with Paralympic Council Malaysia later this year.”

“Activities like this provide our students with valuable experiential learning opportunities where they gain valuable practical experience and develop communication, empathy, and professional skills that may not be obtainable solely in classrooms. This is why TAR UMT looks forward to working with SOM, who shares our commitment and vision of creating an inclusive education and sports environment where everyone can learn from each other through teamwork, friendship, and mutual respect. This is also part of TAR UMT’s effort to create awareness through education in interacting and appreciating all facets of society by including aspects of inclusivity into the learning process – just like how our sports students experienced it here today,” said Dr Chook.

“Together with TAR UMT, SOM aims to leverage the strengths of education and sports to nurture a new generation of leaders that champions a more inclusive society and expands access to opportunities for individuals with IDD. We look forward to working together with TAR UMT to realise this vision,” said Mr Bong.

Dr Chook (second from left) and Mr Bong (second from right) shaking hands after the MoU signing ceremony. Accompanying them are Prof Dr Ler Hui Yin (leftmost), Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FOAS), and Ms Connie Yee (rightmost), National Director of SOM.