PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Head of the West Java Education Office, Purwanto, reminded the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect in achieving success when presenting medals to the winners of the 2026 West Java Provincial Level National Student Sports Olympiad (O2SN) for Special Education.

This message was conveyed at the medal presentation ceremony which took place at the Ki Hajar Dewantara Hall, West Java Education Office, Bandung City, Wednesday (24/6/2026).

Purwanto said he was proud of the enthusiasm, struggle, and sportsmanship shown by all participants during the two days of the competition.

"I'm proud and happy. These children have shown that physical limitations are no barrier to doing something positive and beneficial for themselves, their families, and humanity," he said.

According to him, every participant has the same value as a human being, regardless of the conditions or results obtained in the competition.

"Humanity is something of universal value. Perfect or not, everyone has equal worth. Therefore, all the participants present here are extraordinary children who deserve to be appreciated," he said.

Purwanto also expressed his appreciation to all parties who have supported the successful implementation of the 2026 West Java Provincial Level Special Education O2SN, starting from the committee, school principals, accompanying teachers, to parents of participants.

"I would like to thank Mr. Ai Nurhasan, the principals, teachers, parents, and all participants from various regions in West Java who participated and showed extraordinary enthusiasm throughout the event," he said.

He also appreciated the hard work of the committee which was able to organize the activity well amidst various limitations and budget efficiency policies.

At the 2026 West Java Provincial Level Special Education O2SN, the committee determined the first, second, and third place winners in seven sports contested, namely the men's 100-meter run, men's 100-meter race chair, women's long jump athletics, badminton, bocce, chess, and table tennis.

The first place winners will represent West Java at the National Special Education O2SN which is scheduled to take place on September 7–12, 2026.

Purwanto advised the medal winners to remain humble and uphold sportsmanship.

"Congratulations to the children who won today. However, the true champions are those who still appreciate and respect their peers who didn't win," he said.

Meanwhile, he asked participants who had not yet won, to remain enthusiastic and continue to develop their abilities.

"Don't be discouraged. Appreciate your friends who achieved today. They are not your opponents, but rather friends and partners who learn, grow, and strive together," he advised.

(Rep pun/bhf)