The Brunei athletes representing in the Special Olympics Summer World Games 2015 in Los Angeles, USA

Special indeed. So far great coverage on the Special Olympics especially for our Brunei representatives who are currently at Los Angeles for the Special Olympics Summer World Games 2015 (25th July to 2nd August). So 11 special athletes from the Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD) flew off on the 3rd day of Hari Raya to Los Angeles and the team was led by Hj Mahrub Hj Murni, SOBD’s President.

And guess what? They have done tremendously well in the Special Olympics Summer World Games 2015. Even better than our athletes in the recent SEA Games and previous Olympics. This is in relations to the medals they have won Gold medals to begin with. Awesome!!!

Nurul Mimi Silawati won gold in Long Jump and she also came 2nd in 100M run. Another gold medalist is Muhammad Aminnur Rafie in the 100M walk and he also won Silver for the Softball Throw. So that’s really good to know that we have talents even for the special needs.

There were other medalist as well. Mohammad Nadihie Hj Abas won Silver in 100M run; Mickellyhelmie won two bronze medals for 200M run and 100M run and finally Siti Hazirah Zolkipli won Bronze fro Softball Throw. Mohammad Samri Mahli earned Silver for BC Bocce Doubles and the same goes to Siti Nursyazwani Hj Shamsudin in her BC Bocce Doubles.

Other notable mentions are Ahmad Zharfan Ahmadiah who came fourth in the Golf-Level 5 Stroke with a 317 score. He just missed out on the medal spot.

This shows that Brunei could have won more medals if more athletes participated but due to budget constraint, SOBD could only send 11 athletes and since it is held at Los Angeles, USA, it will be a high cost for the parents to fly over as well. Good job to the President in taking care of the athletes and also the coaches, trainers and a doctor. It’s not easy being away from home especially during the festive season.

It’s just a little sad that none of the senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports were present during the events just like how they attended the recent SEA Games in Singapore. Maybe it could be down to budget constraint. Even in the photo session (during the sending off at the Brunei International Airport), there weren’t any high senior officials apart from Hj Mahrub who came in the the capacity as the President of SOBD.

There should be a double standard for every Brunei athletes that represent the country in prestigious events such as SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics and even Special Olympics. They all deserved a proper send off and further more, this is a Special Olympics (same level as the Olympics). This is just my positive criticism two cents.

I congratulate the athletes for their courage to accept the challenge to represent Brunei and you all definitely had a wonderful experience in Los Angeles. A big mention also to Hj Mahrub for leading and motivating the athletes and the other delegates for taking care of the athletes. They are due to be back soon to Brunei and I can feel that they can’t wait to be home again. Images below taken from SOBD Facebook Page and their instagram @specialolympics_brunei

Muhammad Aminnurr Rafie winning Gold in 100M Walk and also getting Silver in Softball Throw

Nurul Mimi Silawati winning Gold in Long Jump and also grabbing Silver in 100M Run

Nurul Mimi Silawati posing for the camera

Mohammad Nadihie Hj Abas, a Silver medalist for 100m run

Siti Hazirah Zolkipli won Bronze in Softball Throw

Mickellyhelmie is a double Bronze winner for 200M run and 100M run

The Brunei delegates with Hj Mahrub Hj Murni at the Brunei International Aiport

The Brunei delegates arriving the States two weeks ago

The sponsors from Wong Chain and Armtrix Enterprise as they sponsored equipment and apparels respectively for the athletes.