KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) is set to launch the world’s first Braille version of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete Classification Code, aimed at helping visually impaired athletes better understand the classification system.
The publication is a collaboration with Kuala Lumpur Braille, founded by lawyer and former PCM executive council member Datuk Mah Hassan Omar, along with support from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), and the Education Ministry (MoE).
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin highlighted the importance of the book in ensuring visually impaired athletes fully grasp the classification process.
“Visual impairments fall under many categories or classifications for various Paralympic sports. This Braille book is the right step to help them better understand the requirements of the classification process and the types of events they can compete in.
“Previously, they only received verbal briefings. Moving forward, this book will enable all athletes to comprehend the system more clearly,” he said in a statement today.
The Braille version of the classification code, expected to be completed in six months, will also be shared with the IPC and other National Paralympic Committees as a global reference. – November 29, 2024