What it takes to be a Special Olympian: Lin Zhao Yong and Carol Ho share their aspirations for Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023

Since the first Special Olympics competition in July 1968 in Chicago, millions of people with intellectual disabilities have gained athletic, social and developmental benefits from sports.

This year, over 7,000 athletes from over 190 countries will be competing in over 26 sports - and Singapore is proudly represented in 6 sports by 24 Special Olympians, 6 Unified Partners to the athletes, and 15 volunteer officials.

Lin Zhao Yong, 20, strikes a pose before his training session at the Serangoon Gardens Country Club.

Always up for improvement

When asked about their respective training schedules, Zhao Yong proudly exclaims, “Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays!” while Carol Ho, 20, equally proudly but with a tinge of cheekiness, exclaims “Monday and Thursday evenings only lah.”

Mind you, this is on top of them being full-time students at their respective schools for special needs. Plus, Carol has been undergoing on-the-job training under her school’s work experience programme and her typical day ends at 6pm.

But all’s well because both Special Olympians have asserted that they are enjoying themselves and that despite the difficulties, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Outside of training, Zhao Yong spends his spare time analysing YouTube videos of his bowling idol - Jason Belmonte, “the two-handed bowler”. He then re-applies the techniques onto his own game with help from his coaches, Derrick and Rachel.

Besides sports, Carol’s hobbies include singing, dancing, drawing and writing. She even gave Kaya an exclusive look into her artistic talents by singing and dancing for us - catch a glimpse of it here!

How their sport have grown them

If it’s one thing both athletes agree on (apart from their shared love for Hainanese chicken rice), it is that training sessions and competitions are always a great time with their coaches and teammates. Through every session and game, victory or loss, they would always remember to enjoy themselves, and treat each experience as an opportunity to grow.

Carol believes that Athletics has taught her to be more disciplined and respectful of others, but above all, the sport has taught her perseverance. Her coaches, Sheree and Denise, vouch for Carol’s improved running performance and training attitude - she now goes above and beyond merely training herself, but also takes care of her peers when they fall behind.

Carol and her coach Sheree, whom she deems her confidant and one of the biggest supporters in her sporting journey.

Mr Lin, Zhao Yong’s father, who has been present to support his son at every bowling competition, notices Zhao Yong’s growth from being in the sport. “He has learned to be more focused and self-disciplined. Bowling also teaches him to continuously improve himself.”

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Borrowing the words from the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath, both Zhao Yong and Carol are setting their eyes on the prize when they head to Berlin.

When asked about their goals for the Special Olympics World Games, Zhao Yong claimed, without an ounce of hesitation, “I want a gold medal in Bowling!” Carol, too, is valiant in her pursuit of her very own gold medal, in not one, but both her events, the 400m race and Mini Javelin.

Their confidence is refreshing, but unsurprising, seeing that both of them are no strangers to medals.

Having bowled for 8 years, Zhao Yong has won several competitions, but being awarded 2nd runner up at the Pesta Sukan Bowling Competition 2022 was definitely a core memory.

Image credit: Mr Lin, Zhao Yong’s father.

Zhao Yong and his 2nd runner-up medal from the Pesta Sukan Bowling Competition 2022.

For Carol, she last took part in the Special Olympics Singapore track and field competition in May 2022 and came in first for her division in the 200m event.

Image credit: Coach Sheree.

Carol, in first place for the Special Olympics Singapore track and field competition in May 2022.

Empowered by their support system

From family, coaches, teachers, teammates, to volunteers, it truly takes a village.

Not only would this be Carol’s first time participating at the Special Olympics World Games, it would also be her very first time taking a plane, and boy is she excited.

“They won’t be in Berlin, but my mum, dad, elder sister, and younger sister are all coming to send me off!” she quips.

For Zhao Yong, his mom, brother, aunt and aunt’s family will be making a trip to Berlin to support him in person.

So yes, it takes a village indeed - but why not make it a national effort?

Support Carol and Zhao Yong in their events and stay tuned to Special Olympics Singapore’s Instagram or Facebook pages for the latest updates on the Games!