iLEAP programme empowers young athletes, breaks barriers for people with disabilities

The Inclusive Leadership Programme (iLEAP) nurtures young athletes from diverse backgrounds, genders, and abilities, helping to develop the leaders of tomorrow and changing perceptions among people with disabilities and their families.

Malaysian Olympism in Action Society (MOiAS) vice-president Tania Lee said the programme, which started in 2021, will host its seventh event from Dec 21-23. Twenty-five per cent of the participants comprise people with disabilities.

“One of the common things we heard from parents was that they were afraid their children with disabilities would be bullied if they attended our sessions,” said Lee.

“We told them not to worry as the programme is about inclusivity and creating future leaders from various backgrounds.

“In our last session in Kuching, Sarawak in June, one of the participants even told his parents to go home, as he felt safe and wanted to stay. The mother was so happy that her son felt empowered to be alone that she bought souvenirs for the trainers.”

iLEAP, organised by MOiAS, is a three-day workshop that focuses on four ‘core’ essentials for every young sports leader – sports values, healthy living (lifestyle), life skills, and social competency.

The programme features speakers that include athletes and former sports stars who have advanced in their professional careers. Volunteers also consist of current and former athletes with experience in various fields, including para-athletes.

Lee explained that participants can return to future events as volunteers or members of the working committee, as had happened with ex-para swimmer Amber Wong, who was a participant in 2021, a junior moderator in 2022, and a member of the working committee last year.

“iLEAP is not a one-off programme. The skills and knowledge we impart can be put to good use. That is why we try to invite many former participants to be part of future programmes,” said Lee.

“Since 2021, we have conducted three virtual iLEAP sessions, two physical iLEAP sessions in Malaysia, and an international Inclusive Athletes Development Exchange Programme (iADEP) in Singapore.

“We had a four-year US$10,000 grant from the International Olympic Council, but that runs out this year.”

The IOC grant helped MOiAS cover part of the cost of running iLEAP.

Lee said it would be more challenging next year, as it is not cheap to run these events, even though they are organised by volunteers.

“There are still significant costs involved, including accommodation for participants from different regions and countries,” said Lee, adding that the event will see 36 participants from Singapore, Thailand, Penang, Sarawak, and the Klang Valley.

“We had to turn away participants as we wanted to ensure everyone’s safety, especially those with disabilities, who need more personal space.

“It is a good sign that more and more people are interested in the programme.”