KBRN, Jakarta: The Special Olympics Southeast Asia Football Competition 2025 was officially launched on Monday evening, November 10, in Bandung, West Java. Held from November 10–14, the inclusive tournament brings together 132 athletes from six national programs across the region.

The opening ceremony featured a vibrant parade of delegations from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, celebrating unity through sport.

A total of 132 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are competing in a 7-a-side football format, representing both men's and women's teams from each participating country.

Distinguished guests delivered messages of encouragement and inspiration, including Dadi Surjadi, Deputy Assistant for Special Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Dipak Natali, Regional President; and Warsito Ellwein, Chairperson of Special Olympics Indonesia (SOIna).

Dipak Natali emphasized that this tournament marks the second regional competition hosted by Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP) this year.

“This is our second regional competition in 2025. More than just a sporting event, it’s a powerful reminder of what inclusion looks like in action,” said Dipak in a press statement released Tuesday, November 11.

As part of SOAP’s 10-year sports calendar, the competition plays a vital role in expanding the reach of inclusive programming across Southeast Asia. Hosting the event in Bandung aligns with SOAP’s vision. “Bandung shows the Asia Pacific region what it means to lead with heart,” Dipak added.

Warsito Ellwein reaffirmed that the competition belongs to the athletes with special talents. “We’ve worked hard to create a space where they can express themselves and showcase their skills, especially through football,” he said.

Warsito emphasized that athletes with special talents deserve equal opportunities to develop their abilities, just like anyone else. For him, this event is a step toward realizing that right.

He also expressed hope that the competition would reinforce the universal right to sport and recreation, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The CRPD calls on governments and organizations to remove barriers to inclusive participation. Special Olympics embodies this principle by offering tailored training and competitive opportunities for athletes with special talents.

The Special Olympics Southeast Asia Football Competition 2025 is held at Persib Sidoliq Stadium in Bandung, West Java. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)