A tug-of-war game between wheelchair-bound participants at the camp.
FACTORY operator Noreeda Redzwan, 36, who lives with cerebral palsy, was thrilled to be back at “camp” to interact with friends and have a great weekend of games and activities.
She has fond memories of attending the Penang Cheshire Agoonoree over the years and it has always been one of the highlights of the year.
A former resident at the home, Noreeda has been looking forward to the fun festivities, spread out across two-and-a-half days.
“There is so much to do and enjoy, and I take part in everything as long as there is someone who can aid me.
“Whether it is the Dragon Boat, tug-of-war, paintball or the crafts, I am game to join in.
“I get to make friends and meet up again with old ones here.
“When we go out on the second day, it is nice as we get to explore Penang,” she said when met during the camp held at Penang Water Sports and Recreation Centre in Tanjung Bungah.
Although wheelchair-bound, Noreeda said she tried not to let it hinder her from taking part in activities.
Wong Jia Hui, 25, who is a resident of the home, said she enjoyed the boat ride as it was nice to be out at sea.
“I am going to get a fake tattoo later and eat cotton candy.
“It is nice that we are together and get to interact with each other,” she said.
R. Vikneshwaran, 46, from Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association said he was happy to join in and enjoy the camp.
“I got a koala tattoo and am taking part in some games later.
“This is usually the highlight of my year as it brings the most fun,” he said.
This year, the Agoonoree had participants from Penang Cheshire Home, Special Primary School (SKPK) Jalan Hutton, the Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association of Penang and Caring Rehabilitation Society of People with Disabilities Penang.
Organising chairman Veronica Pau said it took six months of planning to be able to execute the camp.
“It costs over RM60,000 to hold the camp, including having the dragon boat operators, catering, booths including the cotton candy and tattoo, as well as transportation for them to go around Penang.
“We need volunteers too. Usually, it should be two volunteers per person but this time, we could not find that many.
“There are Scouts from SMK Jalan Damai and other volunteers who include physiotherapists, nurses and caregivers.
“There are 52 participants and 68 volunteers,” she said.
Pau said there were Scouts joining in as well as special Scouts with disabilities.
“During this camp, volunteer Scouts from the school will do their best to help and guide the special Scouts and enjoy the wide range of activities,” she said.
She highlighted the campers’ visits to various sites of interest in Penang, including a Hindu temple, Chinese temple, gurdwara and a mosque.
“This is to expose them to different cultures and to learn about the diversity that exists in the world.
“We took them to the Penang Bird Park and other places for them to learn about nature as well,” she said.
She added that on the last day, they visited Penang Bowl for some bowling fun.
Pau said the event was solely funded by donations.
She hoped that more people would come forward to help, as the organisers aimed to arrange a trip to Johor for the campers next year.
“We will need RM120,000 because taking them on a tour will cost money, but it will be a great experience for them as they hardly travel anywhere,” she said.
“When they try new things, it builds their confidence and helps them find work.
“Usually people think they cannot do things, but they can work and make a life for themselves.
“Exposure is necessary to help them get there and I hope to take them around Johor next year,” said Pau.
Participants and volunteers playing bubbles at the 15th Penang Cheshire Agoonoree at Penang Water Sport Recreation Centre in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A volunteer Scout helping a participant to hold a kite during the 15th Penang Cheshire Agoonoree.
Pau: It takes six months to plan a camping event for the disabled.
