DILI, 11 August 2025 (TATOLI) – From August 7th to 9th, 2025, the Club Cheia de Graça in Santa Cruz became the focal point for a remarkable badminton promotion event. This gathering brought together young Timorese players with disabilities—including deaf youth, those in wheelchairs, and individuals with lower limb impairments—alongside non-disabled players with international experience. This powerful display of unity and sportsmanship was a testament to the tireless efforts of its organizers: Club Cheia de Graça and the Agape Association.
These two organizations are renowned for their active roles in promoting sports and social inclusion for young people and disabled persons throughout Timor-Leste. The Club Cheia de Graça focuses on making badminton accessible to all, while the Agape Association provides a vital social, civic, and cultural framework, enabling deaf individuals to envision a more promising future. Together, they are challenging the societal narrative that can often limit the prospects of disabled persons in a economic and social hardship.
The three-day event showcased incredible talent and dedication. Despite facing significant financial hurdles—covering substantial running costs for building maintenance, electricity, and equipment out of their own pockets, and without any government support—the organizers steadfastly believe in the transformative power of badminton. They are driven by the conviction that this sport can empower youth and disabled persons to become proactive architects of their own lives.
The event also underscored the aspirations of these talented athletes, many of whom are recognized as the best players in the country in their categories. They are meant to represent Timor-Leste on the international stage, but their ambitions are tempered by the need for resources. Deaf players are currently seeking funds to participate in the SEAF deaf games in Jakarta on August 18th, while para-badminton players require support to attend a tournament in Japan this November. Concurrently, national non-disabled players are aiming for the Super 100 tournaments in Vietnam and Indonesia in September.
All these dreams, however, are contingent on securing the necessary financial backing that the organizers and players currently lack. This press article serves as a heartfelt appeal to all actors in Timor-Leste who champion the development of youth, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and the success of our national representatives. We call for your help and support to ensure these dedicated athletes can proudly carry the flag of Timor-Leste abroad and achieve the bright future they so rightfully deserve.
TATOLI
