Garmin Indonesia has expanded its commitment to inclusive sport through its annual Give a Garmin programme by providing direct support to the Indonesian National Wheelchair Basketball Team. The team is preparing to compete in the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand.
The announcement was made during the Garmin Exhibition at Central Park, Jakarta. Chandrawidhi Desideriani, Senior Manager of Marketing Communications at Garmin Indonesia, said the initiative reflects the company’s effort to ensure that technology contributes to wider public benefit.
“This support demonstrates the role of technology in improving quality of life. Technology is not just about features, but also impact. We want to help athletes achieve international success while ensuring everyone has access to relevant health devices,” she said.
She also added that this cooperation has developed over time.
“This is not our first collaboration. Previously, we worked with Coach Salim from the Jakarta wheelchair basketball community. When he later joined the national team coaching staff, he contacted us again, and we welcomed the opportunity.
As part of the programme, Garmin distributed several Garmin vivoactive 5 units to the athletes. The smartwatch includes Wheelchair Mode, a feature developed specifically for wheelchair users and designed to support training and daily activity monitoring.
“In 2023, we launched a smartwatch equipped with Wheelchair Mode. The principle is simple: sport is inclusive and for everyone, without limitations. We want this support to be sustainable. Wherever there is a need — whether from a disabled athlete or a beginner who lacks access to proper tools — we want to help,” Chandra added.
Wheelchair Mode Enhances Monitoring and Training for Athletes
Wheelchair Mode allows users to track daily push count, speed, distance, heart rate, training intensity, and specialised activities such as Push-Run Speed, Push-Run Walk, handcycling, and both indoor and outdoor sessions.
Algorithm adjustments based on training frequency aim to generate data that is more precise and relevant to wheelchair athletes’ needs.
Danu Kuswantoro, an athlete on the Indonesian National Wheelchair Basketball Team, said the device provides measurable support during preparations for the regional competition.
“After waking up, I usually check my pulse. When I move around, all my activities are immediately detected by the Garmin watch. Also, the benefit of using Garmin is that every movement can be recorded. When coaches ask for progress updates, we cannot hide anything because we must report according to the data,” he said.
Coach Salim Nurjadin also highlighted the benefit of using the watch.
“Data (from the watch) helps us manage the exercise. Almost every day, the athletes take ice baths. The challenge is ensuring proper recovery without reducing training intensity. We have high hopes for gold at the ASEAN Para Games, and we want to show exciting and competitive performances.”
The Give a Garmin programme, held annually in December, also promotes public awareness of inclusive sport and health. During this period, Garmin offers special promotions on its smartwatch range and encourages users to adopt an active lifestyle.
Garmin Indonesia stated that the support is intended to assist the national athletes and raise wider recognition of adaptive sports. The initiative also highlights Garmin’s position as a technology brand that contributes to both sporting development and inclusivity in Indonesia.
