By Tan Mei Kuan
The morning of Wednesday, August 28, saw the Special Olympics Perak State Bocce Competition 2019 being held at the State Education Department along Jalan Pasir Puteh. Organised by Special Olympics Perak, a total of 100 athletes who were divided into 50 teams, took part in four different categories: Boy’s Junior Doubles, Girl’s Junior Doubles, Boy’s Senior Doubles and Girl’s Senior Doubles.
It was aimed to improve the motor skills of students with special needs and provide them with experience to take part in national and international bocce games in the future. In addition, it also served to strengthen friendship among special education teachers in the state.
The game is similar to lawn bowling and played on a shorter, narrower green. Unlike lawn bowls, bocce balls are spherical and have no inbuilt bias. The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the pallina than the closest ball of the other team.
The oath of Special Olympics was led by Muhammad Nazir Akmal.
Present were guest of honour Hj. Fakhrul Nizam b. Pakhruddin, Assistant Director (Special Education Unit) of the State Education Department and Sivanesan, President of Special Olympics Perak.
Below are the teams who emerged champion:
Boy’s Junior Doubles (Group 1) – Hilir Perak Boy’s Junior Doubles (Group 2) – Batang Padang Girl’s Junior Doubles (Group 1) – Kuala Kangsar Girl’s Junior Doubles (Group 2) – Kinta Utara Boy’s Senior Doubles (Group 1) – Hulu Perak Boy’s Senior Doubles (Group 2) – Hilir Perak Girl’s Senior Doubles (Group 1) – Sekolah Semangat Maju Girl’s Senior Doubles (Group 2) – Hilir Perak