THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER – The Collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Special Olympics Sabah (SOS) would be further intensified with the involvement of students and community-based programmes, said the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah.

He said the cooperation between UMS and Special Olympics Sabah would also improve the teaching and learning especially in promoting volunteerism amongst students.

“UMS not only intend to produce graduates who are intellectual, knowledgeable and versatile, but also able to contribute their service and time to society after they graduate,” he said.

He was speaking at the launching of Fun Fitness 2016 and the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMS and Special Olympics Sabah.

Datuk Harun said, this collaboration was a commendable effort by the Sports Science Programme, Faculty of Psychology and Education (FPP), UMS in bringing in industry into the campus.

“This would certainly bridge the gap between higher education institutions and external parties that are directly involved with the community, and in providing employment opportunities.

“This collaboration marks the starting point of the struggle in providing equal opportunities  in sports for the underpriviledged,” he added.

Touching on the Fun Fitness 2016, Datuk Harun said that this was a physical fitness assesment programme and an exercise programme for the disabled with different needs.

He added, the purpose was to educate the disabled athletes, families and coaches on the importance of each physical fitness component.

“I was made to understand that the establishment of the Fitness and Rehabilitation Centre, Faculty of Psychology and Education would make UMS the pioneer in Fun Fitness Programme in the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

The launching ceremony was officiated by Youth and Sport Sabah Minister, Datuk Hj. Tawfiq Hj. Abu Bakar Titingan, and was also attended by the Operational Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific Region, Simon Koh.

Datuk Tawfiq also witnessed the signing of the MoU between Datuk Harun on behalf of UMS and the President of Special Olympics Sabah,Datuk Haji Safari Manan. – (fl)