PUTRAJAYA, Jan 23 — Malaysia will play host to the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in November.

The dates have yet to be confirmed but it is set to be a nationwide event with Special Olympics Malaysia (SOM) hoping to organise the early rounds outside Klang Valley before having the final rounds in KL.

The estimate cost for hosting the event also ballooned to RM30 million from the initial cost of RM15 million.

“The working cost is around RM20 million. This includes logistics such as transportation and lodging. The additional cost comes promotional activities to make the tournament a high profile one.

“We had several brainstorming session where we decided to invite several renowned footballers and also have artistes present. This does not come cheap,” said Datuk Peter Velappan, Special Olympic Malaysia vice-president.

Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had given the ministry's full backing towards the tournament but hopes for it to be funded by corporate sectors.

“This event will enhance the awareness of children and adult with intellectual disabilities,  in line with the mission of the Special Olympics in giving them opportunities to develop their physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families.

“I am counting on private companies to support this event. It  is a great opportunity to exercise their corporate-social responsibility to those less fortunate,” said Khairy.

The tournament will see 25 nations participating.

Youths above the age of 15 from 24 countries compete in a 11-a-side competition where six footballers with intellectual disabilities and five able Under-21 footballers on each team. The motto for the inaugural tournament is: “Out of the shadows, into the sunshine.”

Special Olympics is a global movement founded by Eunice Kennedy Schriver in Chicago in 1979. The movement deals with children with intellectual disabilities from the age of two.