Lions Turn Dreams into Medals at PESONAS II
REPORTED FOR PESONAS II, KUPANG
14 – 18 Oktober 2026
by: Jonathan Elbert Chandra
For Special Olympics athletes from nine provinces, PESONAS II Kupang 2026 was the moment when their hard work finally paid off. This was made possible with support from Lions International Multi-District 307. Their achievements were not just the result of competition; rather, they were a showcase of how encouragement, opportunity, and community support can empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to reach their full potential.
According to official Games results, the nine Lions-supported provinces, out of 22 participating provinces, brought home an inspiring total of 64 medals: 25 gold, 19 silver, and 20 bronze. For the athletes, each of these medals represented countless hours of training, determination, and the courage to pursue a dream. Nonetheless, it is also a reminder that support from Lions can make that pursuit possible.
Erwin Matius, a 37-year-old athlete from East Java, won silver in the men’s shot put and bronze in the men’s rocket throw, results he credited to following his coach’s guidance throughout his training since 2010. He said that despite the fatigue from training, he continues to follow his coach’s guidance and work on improving his performance.
“Thank you very much to the Lions members for helping me. I am happy that I could compete and bring home two medals,” Erwin expressed. His next dream is to win gold and, if possible, compete internationally to represent Indonesia.
Another inspiring story comes from Ralingga Makalu Donni, a 26-year-old East Java athlete who won gold in the men’s ball throw and bronze in the men’s 25-meter run. Since beginning his sporting journey in 2018, Donni has found happiness in training, making friends, and participating in competitions.
“Thank you, Lions! You helped Donni go to Kupang and compete. Donni is very happy!” he shared. What motivates him is simple, that is to train harder, compete again, and bring home another gold medal.
These stories reflect the true meaning of the Lions‘ contribution, and they are worth hearing. Their support is not measured by medals, but by the doors it opens, the confidence it builds, the friendships it creates, and the dreams it brings — all of which are exactly what Lions MD 307 set out to do when they committed to PESONAS II.
For the athletes, PESONAS II was a chance to see what they could do when others believed in them. For their families and coaches, every achievement was a source of pride. And for Lions MD 307, every medal was a reminder that service can transform lives.
When Lions stand beside athletes, they do more than help them reach the starting line. They help turn dreams into possibilities, effort into achievement, and hope into a future filled with greater opportunities.
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