PENANG’s Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai joined 14 visually impaired persons (VIPs) for a morning training run at Aspen Vision City Central Park in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan today.
The training run marks a significant step in their preparations for the upcoming Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM), which will take place on December 15 this year.
Wong shared that the running session is part of the VIPs’ ongoing training as they ready themselves for the highly anticipated marathon.
“This will be their platform to challenge their limitations, and enjoy an outdoor sporting activity alongside others,” Wong said, expressing pride in the participants’ efforts.
The group’s training began a few months ago at Gurney Bay, and today marks their first time practising at Aspen Vision City Central Park.
He stressed that the shift in location is essential as this year’s PBIM will be held at Seberang Perai for the first time, with participants running across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly known as the Penang Second Bridge.
“The training session was sponsored by Howei Events, while the participation of the 14 VIPs in PBIM is generously sponsored by Aspen as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“The 14 VIPs include 12 students from St Nicholas’ Home, alongside two other visually impaired participants, Darren Yuen and Helen Davis.
“Aspen’s sponsorship covers their participation in PBIM, marking a historic moment for the marathon, as this will be the first time such a significant number of VIPs will join the event,” said Wong to Buletin Mutiara today.
The VIPs will compete in different categories based on their preferences, ranging from the 10km, and 21km, to the full 42km marathon.
Each participant will be paired with a Blind Guide Runner during the event. These guide runners, hailing from Ramakrishna Ashrama, also accompanied the VIPs during their training sessions.
Wong emphasised the inclusive nature of the marathon, stating, “After all, we want to send a message that a marathon event like PBIM is not only for the fittest but also for everyone, including persons with disabilities (OKU).”
He mentioned this inspiring initiative aims to create greater awareness about inclusivity in sports and highlight the determination and spirit of the visually impaired participants.
“With the guidance of their dedicated partners and the support of sponsors, this year’s PBIM promises to be a milestone event not only for the participants but for the community as a whole,” he said.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal