Congratulations to Roderic John Raymond as April’s recipient of the SENIA World Changer Award.
Roderic, an accomplished athletics coach from Malaysia, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for students with diverse learning needs. Building on his established success in training students with disabilities in sprint, track, and cross-country events, including preparing students to compete in mainstream athletics championships alongside their non-disabled peers, Roderic has now broadened his vision.
Recognizing the transformative potential of diversified sports programming, Roderic secured a strategic collaboration with the founders and coaches of Kaki Bangku Soccer Clinic, a social initiative dedicated to promoting sports diplomacy and developing social skills through foundational football training in Malaysia. This partnership has enabled Roderic to extend athletic opportunities beyond traditional track and field disciplines.
Through this innovative initiative, 35 students, including neurodivergent learners, autistic students, and hearing-impaired students, have received complimentary, professional coaching from decorated state-level coaches. This comprehensive program exemplifies how strategic partnerships, inclusive program design, and dedicated mentorship can create meaningful pathways for all students to develop confidence, build community, and achieve athletic excellence.
Roderic’s work embodies the World Changer spirit: leveraging expertise, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that all learners have access to transformative educational and athletic experiences.
To see a video of the Kaki Bangku Soccer Clinic, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qVthi7_fLNiKk3VothEaJsdSBzEtdBpK/view
#SENIAInternational #SENIAWorldChanger #inclusion