Special Olympics Thailand launches its first “Unified Aerobic Dance” to promote health-related activities and advocate for social inclusion. The Unified Aerobic Dance is performed by youths with and without intellectual disabilities, demonstrating to the public a fun way of exercising together and creating acceptance for intellectually disabled persons in society.
Special Olympics Thailand will hold a press conference to officially launch its “Unified Aerobic Dance” music video on 17 September 2020 at the Thammasat Alumni Association on Soi Ngamdupli, Bangkok, introducing its Youth Ambassador and Performers to the public.
Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot, Chairman of Special Olympics Thailand, revealed that
“Special Olympics Unified sports provide the opportunity for people with and without intellectual disabilities to play sports together, raising awareness and acceptance for persons with special needs, while breaking down social barriers. During the Covid19 crisis in 2020, intellectually disabled persons are one of the high-risk groups within this pandemic. Therefore, all sports competitions that may lead to group interaction, travel, and lodgings have been canceled by Special Olympics Thailand. Without these events, which highlight our athletes’ abilities, there would be less chance for public attention and recognition for the athletes. To promote activities that positively impact healthcare during the Covid19 outbreak, as well as to advocate social inclusion, Special Olympics Thailand has created a 4:30 minute music video to raise awareness on regular exercise and social acceptance. The “Unified Aerobic Dance” video provides another fun and convenient choice of exercise for the general public and the disabled communities, as it does not require any equipment, and the movements are easily performed by anyone.
Never before in the Asia Pacific region has any Special Olympics National Program produced a music video promoting Unified Aerobic Dancing making Special Olympics Thailand a pioneer in this effort. I should like to thank all the parties who have contributed to music video production. Music was composed by former Silly Fools Band leader, Benjamin Jung Tuffnell. Special Olympics Youth Ambassador, Ada Chunhavajira, sang the song. Thammasat Cheerleaders performed as unified partners, and, most important of all, Special Olympics Thailand athletes from Saengsawang Foundation and Rachawadee House, who showed their charm and abilities through all the dance moves.”
Khun Rachaniwan Bulakul, Special Olympics Thailand National Director, added,
“By playing together, sharing the same platform or joining the same activities, participants get to know one another and discover that, although each has different capabilities, there are also similarities that they share. Accepting each other’s differences promotes understanding and social inclusion. Under Special Olympics Unified Sports, athletes gain self-respect and confidence, develop advanced sport skills, train harder, and improve communication skills and social competence. This program recognizes the potential of every individual with intellectual disabilities, building friendship on shared experiences, and paving the way to better social opportunities.”
Special Olympics is a global movement that changes the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. Special Olympics Thailand is a national sport association registered under the Sports Authority of Thailand. It implements a variety of sports, health, early childhood learning, and capacity building programs throughout the year, impacting more than 28,000 athletes nationwide. By offering Unified Sports experience, athletes with and without intellectual disabilities are motivated to interact together and learn from each other.
Special Olympics Thailand
14th Floor Chalermphrakiat Building, Sports Authority of Thailand, 286, Ramkamhaeng Road, Huamak, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Telephone 02-1367650 Fax 02-1369267 Email : [email protected]
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