THE Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of SEGi College Penang, with the collaboration with National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) and the Penang government, will hold the Cotton Hamster Charity Run (CHCR) in Jalan Green Hall on May 26.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the event, a 5km fun run starting at 6.30am, would help promote a happy and healthy life.
“This run is also aligned with NASOM’s vision, which is to create an inclusive society where people with autism can reach their full potential, participate in their communities and lead a meaningful life with dignity.
“With the support from the state government, organisations and sponsors, we hope the run will attract 1,000 runners.
“We welcome sports activities organised by colleges and we are ready to give our full support to all the colleges in Penang. In line with Penang2030 vision, we support sports activities as the goal is to be a family focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation,” he said.
SEGi College Penang principal Cheah Teong Keat said the main purpose of the run was to raise the autism awareness among the community as well as increase the acceptance of people with autism.
“We hope that we could increase autism awareness so that the community would have a better understanding towards autism and accept people with autism as the other people. Getting knowledge is very easy but it is how do you translate it into positive action is a different thing,” he said.
“We are proud of our Students Representative Council for organising the Cotton Hamster Charity Run. It is a good initiative by them. We are not only producing students with good results but also grooming them to be good future leaders to serve the nation with care and love.
“I would like to thank state government and the sponsors for supporting the event,” he said.
NASOM Penang chairman Roslan Abdul Rahim said NASOM, a non-profit, non-governmental welfare organisation, was formed in 1986 by a group of parents and professionals.
“Our aim is to provide education, help, care and protection for people with autism and their family members,” Roslan added.
“We are thankful to the Penang government and Students Representative Council of SEGi College Penang, China Southern Airlines and Gvado Malaysia for their support,” Roslan said.
Inna Lee, one of the members of the Students Representative Council, said they decided on the name cotton hamster for the run as it portrays a fun-loving, active and happy nature.
Participants will receive a blue-coloured T-shirt, finisher’s medal, a limited-edition key chain and a runner’s kit. Refreshments in the form of breakfast and beverages will be provided by the sponsors.
At the event, there will be performances by autism children, singing by SEGi students, aerobic dancing groups and mascot photo sessions and a lucky draw.
Also present were Gvado Malaysia representative Ang Chow Seang , China Southern Airlines general manager Liu Zhen Hua and SEGi College Penang vice-principal Tie Hui Hui
The registration fee for CHCR’s event is RM60 and the closing date for registration is May 25.
For more details, visit https://event.howei.com/event/cotton-hamster-charity-run-2019 or contact Inna Lee at 012-5700030.
Story & Pix by J. Kirrthana