Mong Ha to provide training facilities for athletes with disabilities

The Sports Bureau (ID) has announced plans to establish training facilities at the Mong Ha Sports Center specifically for local athletes with disabilities, with operations expected to begin later this year.

This initiative was revealed in response to a written inquiry from lawmaker Ho Ion Sang regarding the government’s support for persons with disabilities in sports participation.

According to statistics from Macau’s Disability Assessment Registration Card, as of June 30, the cumulative number of applicants had reached 34,279, with a total of 19,283 individuals holding valid certificates.

In its written response to the legislator regarding participation in sports activities, the Sports Bureau did not specify the number of athletes with disabilities in Macau.

However, it noted that Macau is home to three local sports associations for persons with disabilities: the Macau-China Paralympic Committee & Macau-China Recreation and Sports Association for the Disabled, Macau Special Olympics, and Macau Sports Association of the Deaf.

Together, these associations have received funding to support 13 coaches and 56 athletes with disabilities, including 12 elite athletes and 44 athletes participating in funded training squads, the authorities noted.

According to the bureau, from January to August this year, 13 local competitions for persons with disabilities were organized under its funding, marking a 65% increase compared to the previous year. “This significantly enhances opportunities for local persons with disabilities to engage in a variety of sporting activities,” it remarked.

Meanwhile, the bureau faced questions regarding the development of specialized barrier-free sports policies aimed at clarifying the rights and protections for persons with disabilities participating in sports, as well as the support and resources available to them.

In Ho’s inquiry, the authorities were also asked about incorporating relevant support measures into the next 10-Year Rehabilitation Services Plan to better address the specific needs of persons with disabilities in sports participation and promote equal opportunities.

In response, the bureau highlighted its planning efforts for the next phase of the government’s 10-Year Action Plan for Rehabilitation Services, focusing on three key development areas: smart technology, barrier-free construction, and fostering a socially inclusive environment.

According to its statement, the bureau is considering installing training facilities designed for persons with disabilities within existing suitable sports venues.

Additionally, plans have been announced to create a dedicated section on the official website that will provide information about sports activities and interest classes organized by the authorities for this demographic, aimed at enhancing their participation opportunities.

This year, the bureau’s public sports fitness interest classes for persons with disabilities have offered 17 classes, accommodating 820 participants. Furthermore, summer activities featured 26 classes with 467 spots, bringing the total to 1,287 available places.

It was also noted that through the Community Outreach Program for Mass Sports Resources, the bureau has collaborated with relevant sports federations to organize 14 engaging and innovative sports experience activities across various communities, encouraging less active persons with disabilities to participate in sports.