6
INSPIRING STORIES Never Give Up …
Inspiring Lives Beyond Services
Story contributed by Grace Orchard School
At the age of 10, Haziq started attending GOS. At first, he did not realise that GOS was not like other mainstream schools. Later on, when he did find out, he wondered why he was different. However, it was in GOS that Haziq was selected for the track, running in athletics competitions. It gave him an opportunity to learn and excel in something new. Today, Haziq feels that a person with special needs is no different from others. He states,“ All are the same and can do the same as what others can. What other people can do, people with special needs can do the same thing.”
When he started running, Haziq experienced many failures but he never gave up. He continued to persevere while training with the Singapore team. Despite how it tired him, he did not give up and he continued to travel a significant distance from his home to the training venue in Bishan, twice a week on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. He mentioned,“ I sleep early and rest well in order to juggle between my training and school commitments.”
“ Concentrate … focus … Never give up when you fail, try again and again!”
M uhammad
Haziq Bin Ibrahim is a shy 15-year old who used to attend Grace Orchard School( GOS) from January 2010 to December 2015. After graduating from GOS, he was promoted to Assumption Pathway School( APS) and is studying English, Math, Electrical and Plumbing, and Facility Services. He has represented Singapore and won medals in national and international athletics competitions in 100m, 200m and 400m running events.
In 2015, Haziq competed in the Special Olympics in Los Angeles as part of the Singapore team. It was not just a fun, happy and exciting experience, but also the first time he travelled in an aeroplane. Even though the environment and weather were different from what he was used to, Haziq took it in his stride and said,“ I just do what I can.” He won two silver medals in 100m and 200m( Athletics) and was awarded a participation ribbon in 4 x 100m Relay( Athletics).
Haziq is the second of 10 siblings. He has five sisters and four brothers and is closest to his older and third sister. His family has given him a lot of encouragement, including his extended families like his aunties, uncles, and cousins who came to support him during the ASEAN Para Games.