Hearing-impaired athletes training under the Johor Deaf Sports Association.
HEARING-impaired athletes in Johor are in need of funds to continue training and competing at national and international competitions.
Speaking in sign language, Johor Deaf Sports Association (JSDeaf) president Chan Kok Sheng said it currently had about 100 athletes with hearing difficulties, undergoing training.
“The Johor athletes, aged 18 to 25, are in various sports such as futsal, badminton, athletics and karate,” he said.
Chan said athletes with hearing impairments could not participate in the Paralympics because of their “different” disability.
“We have the Deaflympics, which is a multi-sports event sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee for people with hearing disabilities.
“In the 2002 Deaflympics, Johor’s hearing-impaired athletes clinched a silver medal in the 84kg karate category and silver medal for badminton,” he said.
According to him, JSDeaf is currently training for the upcoming Malaysia Deaf Games (Sopma) in Kuching, Sarawak, before preparing for the Deaflympics 2025 slated to take place in Tokyo, Japan.
Chan (centre) signing to hearing-impaired athletes at a training session.
He said two Johor athletes would represent Malaysia in the Deaflympics next year – one each in karate and badminton.
“As such, we need funds for our sports development. JSDeaf has not received any government funding this year.
“We are organising our own fundraising event called BIM Ride and Run on Sept 28 at Sunway Big Box Iskandar Puteri.
“We aim to raise more than RM500,000 to fund our training activities as well as pay coaches’ salaries, facility rentals and transportation fees to participate in sporting events,” said Chan.
He added that the fundraising event was part of a carnival held in partnership with Affin Islamic Bank Bhd and Sunway City Iskandar Puteri.
The event is also in conjunction with the International Deaf Awareness Week and JSDeaf’s 10th anniversary.
Carnival visitors stand a chance to win prizes such as electronic products, bicycles and motorcycles in a lucky draw.
According to Chan, there will be fitness sessions, a treasure hunt and contests.
He said 1,000 people were expected for the fundraising event.
“Every participant, every cheer and every donation will directly impact the lives of the individuals in the deaf community.
“JSDeaf has been a pillar for many of such individuals, providing them with essential services and empowering them to overcome barriers,” added Chan.
Affin Islamic Bank Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin said the partnership for the event underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering the community while promoting sporting excellence.
“We believe the funds raised will make a lasting difference by supporting future JSDeaf initiatives and enhancing opportunities for the community.
“All donations, whether in cash or in kind for the sports development fund will go directly to the association,” he said.
For details and registration, contact Chan via WhatsApp at 017-775 5094.
