Special Olympics Thailand
Thailand was invited to join the Special Olympics Movement in 1987 with Khunying Soporn Wongsawan as its first Chairperson operating under the Foundation of the Mentally Handicapped of Thailand. Four years later, under Chairperson Khunying Vichandra Bunnag, Special Olympics Thailand was registered as an independent National Sport Association under the Sports Authority of Thailand. In 1995 Thanpuying Niramol Suriyasat, Thailand’s 3rd Chairperson was invited to the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International.
Leading Special Olympics Thailand since 2001 is the present Chairperson, Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot, who has been instrumental in creating more opportunities and recognition for Thai Special Olympics Athletes, expanding the programme to reach 20,000 participants in every province in the country. Various sports disciplines are currently on offer i.e. athletics (track and field), football, basketball, bocce, table tennis and swimming as well as motor skill activities for the severely handicapped, and Young Athletes programme for early childhood development.
In addition to sports, Special Olympics Thailand is one of the word’s first national programme to be recognized as a Special Olympics Healthy Community with the aim of improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities through partnership with healthcare agencies, ensuring that all are receiving health services and are able to reach their full potential.