(From left) Hong, Isaiah, Nancy and Ching at the launch.
THE 28th edition of the charity Walk/Jog/Wheel-A-Thon is returning with some 5,000 participants expected, including from the disabled community.
The event to be held on Nov 19 at Dataran Merdeka will involve some 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
It is aimed at raising funds for Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (SCAS&FT) and participating NGOs.
There will be two categories – 2km Fun Walk with Disabled and the 7km (Open).
Registration fees are RM50 for the fun walk and RM75 for the open category.
Early birds can sign up for RM45 and RM70 respectively.
The event was launched by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at SCAS&FT Learning and Rehabilitation Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Also present were Dewan Negara Senator Isaiah D. Jacob and SCAS&FT president Datuk Hong Yee Keong.
SCAS&FT, under the royal patronage of the Sultan of Selangor, has been organising the event since 1994 in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and NGOs.
The previous edition held last January after a two-year lapse attracted 1,580 people.
They included 200 persons with disabilities (PWD) and 22 NGOs.
Nancy lauded SCAS&FT and the NGOs for raising more awareness on the plight of PWD and helping to provide more opportunities for them.
“This event is a great platform for abled and disabled participants to come together for fun activities.
“This will allow more people to better understand the PWD community.
“The event is also a good form of empowerment for the disabled including the autistic and children with cerebral palsy as they get to do something together with the wider community.
“The aim is to promote inclusivity and equality in the long run.”
She urged more companies to join hands in helping NGOs raise funds to sustain their operations for the disabled community.
At the event, Nancy took time to check out the educational and rehabilitation activities available at the one-stop centre for spastic children.
These activities include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, arts and crafts sessions, competitive sports up to Paralympic level and music therapy.
Sessions to teach vocational and independent living skills are also held at the centre.
Event organising chairman Datuk Jerry Ching said SCAS&FT was targeting some 5,000 people to join this year’s Walk/Jog/Wheel-A-Thon.
“We appeal to the public, sponsors, companies and donors to come forward to help raise funds not only for SCAS&FT but also for the participating NGOs.”
Registration is now open at www.heyjom.com/events/384.
For contributions, sponsorship and funding enquiries, contact Ching at 012-378 9755 or email info@scasft.org
