Lausanne, Switzerland – United Through Sports (UTS) is proud of our role as a connective bridge across the international sport community in supporting international federations in their efforts to make sports more accessible and inclusive for athletes of all abilities.
Recently, UTS has been working alongside the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), supporting Vice President and Equality Commission Chair Sue Glassey along with sustainability expert Raissa Remandaban Magnin in their mission to expand opportunities for neurodiverse athletes in Muaythai. In recent years, IFMA has taken innovative steps towards inclusivity under the leadership of President Dr Sakchye Tapsuan, with the World Combat Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serving as a landmark event featuring dedicated Para and Special medal divisions as official medal events for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. IFMA has continued to build on this progress in its World Championship events, reinforcing commitment to ensuring that all athletes have a place in the sport.
Making a sport truly inclusive and creating lasting change is not a quick or straightforward process; it requires structured guidance, institutional support, and the collective efforts of multiple sectors within the sports community. Federations must be equipped with the right tools, education and expertise to adapt their policies and practices to meet the needs of all athletes. Through continuous support and collaboration, UTS plays a key role across our growing network within the international sports community, actively connecting federations with experts and organizations that have successfully implemented inclusive practices. By fostering these partnerships, UTS continues to drive progress toward a more inclusive world.
This week, UTS recently facilitated a meeting between IFMA and Ben Haack, a leading expert in adaptive sports and a key figure as a board member within Special Olympics International. Ben brings invaluable experience as a coach and advocate for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID), serving on the Special Olympics Board and advising on best practices for integrating athletes with ID into sports.
The meeting focused on key aspects of developing adaptive Muay Thai, including the creation of an Ability Assessment Framework to evaluate and understand the ability levels of athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). IFMA Sports Director Janice Lyn will play a pivotal role in this process, drawing on insights from previous adaptive competitions and working with neurodiverse athletes.
While Muaythai is traditionally a combat sport, it also features non-contact and performance-based divisions, such as Wai Kru and Mae Muay. These divisions provide an ideal platform for athletes with ID, allowing them to develop skills, build confidence, and engage in physical activities. Beyond the physical and technical benefits, participating in Muaythai fosters a sense of community and belonging, offering athletes the chance to connect with others on an international stage. For individuals who are too often left on the sidelines, sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion and empowerment.
Gold: Jonathan Govinden – United Kingdom
Silver: Abdulaziz Khalid A Aloyuni – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Bronze: Shahd Osama Sayed – Egypt
UTS is proud to support IFMA and other federations in creating a more inclusive world, one where people of all abilities have the opportunity to belong, thrive, and be recognized for their unique talents. In some instances competition is about the focus on one’s own abilities and the ultimate competitor is ourselves.This process may be complex, but it is a journey that will lead to greater inclusivity and opportunity for youth everywhere.
