A team of Cambodian athletes with intellectual disabilities is in Berlin to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. Their ambition is to secure a medal in athletics and boules, the latter being a beloved game in many European countries and former French colonies.
Comprising four athletes – sportsmen Prak Van, Vibol Mongkul, and sportswomen Nuth Sophana, Horn Chanthol – the team is under the leadership of the Secretary of State Sem Sokha from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation. Sokha is also the deputy head of the National Special Olympics Committee of Cambodia.
Team coach Chab Ratana informed The Post that the Cambodian contingent will compete from June 17-25, joining approximately 7,000 other sportspersons with intellectual disabilities from around the globe. An estimated 190 countries are participating in the Games, bolstered by an army of 20,000 volunteers.
In the Games’ lineup, Prak Van and Vibol Mongkul will tackle the 100m and 200m races respectively. Vibol Mongkul and Horn Chanthol will each vie for a medal in the boules event, after which they will partner up for a shared competition. Coach Ratana remains optimistic, hoping his team will bring home a medal.
“This is a world-level competition with around 7,000 athletes. We can’t predict the competition, but we do hope for a medal. Our athletes have been training hard to enhance their skills and spirits for the Games,” he stated.
Ratana further mentioned that Cambodian athletes with intellectual disabilities have a strong track record, amassing 34 medals in the fourth games alone – 12 gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze.
