In a special collaboration, Toppen Shopping Centre hosted the Karnival Bakat Sukan dan Permainan Pendidikan Khas Negeri Johor 2025 together with the Johor State Education Department from 15th to 17th June.
The 3-day carnival brought together over 2,000 students with special needs from more than 100 schools across Johor, to inspire a love for sports and help build a real sense of inclusion and belonging for everyone.
The carnival also saw the presence of Datin Sharmin Fazlina Binti Mohd Shukor, wife of the Chief Minister of Johor, who attended as the official representative of Yang Amat Mulia Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam, Crown Princess of Johor, further highlighting its special significance.
At its heart, the carnival is about giving children with special needs a joyful sports experience that nurtures their physical, emotional, and social development. Beyond teaching skills, it is also a special chance for the public to better understand and celebrate the unique abilities of these young people, building a more supportive and understanding community where everyone feels valued.
The event kicked off last Sunday, the 15th of June with a lively Neon Night Run, a specially designed route ensuring it was fun and accessible for all. Over the subsequent days, exciting sports tournaments took place, including Futsal, Badminton, Boccia, Cup Stacking, an E-Sports. These friendly competitions created a welcoming and energetic space for participants aged 7 to 17 to showcase their unique abilities and experience the true joy of being part of the game.
“Toppen Shopping Centre has always been a place for people to simply come together. It’s truly a meeting place for our community. This special carnival is a beautiful example of that spirit in action,” said Sergey Aristarkhov, Toppen Shopping Centre. “We were delighted to be part of an initiative that champions inclusion, lifts up children with special needs, and celebrates their achievements through the pure joy of sports. As a vibrant, accessible hub, Toppen is proud to provide a welcoming space where these connections and triumphs can unfold, facilitating every aspect of the carnival. Creating welcoming and meaningful experiences that bring people from all walks of life together is at the heart of what we do at Toppen, in line with Ikano’s value of caring for people and the planet.”
This meaningful initiative is a strong teamwork between the public and private sectors. The Johor State Education Department’s deep commitment to supporting the development of children under Pendidikan Khas finds a truly fitting home in Toppen’s vibrant and inclusive environment.
“Beyond the games, this carnival sends a powerful message of inclusion and possibility for everyone,” affirmed Hj. Mohd Hanafi Bin Samad, Johor State Education Director. “By giving students with special needs, the chance to participate in structured sports, we’re fostering not just physical activity, but also emotional growth, self-confidence, and social connection. Through these joyful moments, the entire community is invited to witness their talents, challenge old ideas, and celebrate every success, helping us build a more understanding and inclusive Johor for all.”
Toppen is committed to ensuring this event leaves a lasting positive impression, encouraging continued support, deeper understanding, and even more opportunities for special needs communities across Johor and beyond. As a welcoming meeting place for all, Toppen continues to celebrate the rich diversity that makes Johor special.
