WORDS, or rather the right choice of words, can have a profound impact, especially in shaping young minds.
That is why Persatuan Sukan dan Rekreasi Juara Pulau Pinang (SPARK) incorporates powerful motivational talks into its programmes and activities, aiming to inspire children, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Through the tireless work of its founder, R. Vairavasundaram, 64, SPARK has trained and empowered over 20,000 students since its inception a decade ago.
During the current one-week school holidays, five pupils from SJK (T) Azad, two from SJK (T) Bayan Lepas and one dropout are participating in ‘The Champ’ boxing camp, organised by SPARK at Lorong Bell in George Town.
State executive councillor for Housing and Environment, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who was invited to witness the programme, commended SPARK for encouraging the young ones to realise their potential.
Seizing the occasion to inspire them, Sundarajoo shared his experiences from growing up in a poor family in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, to becoming a state Exco member in Penang.
He recalled his early struggles, working as a security guard before becoming an insurance adjuster. However, the Asian financial crisis struck, costing him his job and forcing him to sell his car and motorcycle while his wife was expecting their first child. To make ends meet, he became a taxi driver.
One day, a passenger, who was a housing developer, offered him a job as a driver. Sundarajoo gradually gained his employer’s trust, transitioning to a sales officer before rapidly climbing the corporate ladder to become the Chief Operating Officer of SP Setia.
His career took him to Johor for nine years, then to Kuala Lumpur for another eight years before he was posted to Penang, where he remained for another eight years.
While in Penang, Sundarajoo oversaw the development of the Setia SPICE Convention Centre and the Setia V Residences in Gurney Drive.
“When I built the SPICE project, a lot of people called me all kinds of things. But today, if you want to book SPICE, it’s fully booked for the next one and a half years,” he shared.
After retiring, Sundarajoo entered politics with the goal of improving the welfare of the community. Due to his experience, he was appointed as a state Exco member in charge of housing and environment. Additionally, he oversees the well-being of 28 Tamil schools in Penang.
“We’ve invested about RM2.3 million in Tamil schools, improving their infrastructure. Today, no Tamil school in Penang is without a smart board. Next month, we will organise an inter-Tamil schools sports carnival,” he added.
In closing, Sundarajoo told the young trainees, “Although I was born into a poor family, I decided not to die a poor man. I decided I wanted to be a successful man.
“And when my wife asked me why I retired to join politics, I told her: I should not allow my community to go through the sufferings I went through. I have a tall order to achieve, especially when it comes to Tamil school education.”
Among those present were houseowner V.M. Balakrishnan, Shan Home founder Datuk Dr S. Balakrishnan, SJK (T) Bayan Lepas principal Sri Jeevagowry Anthony Dass, SJK (T) Azad assistant headmaster Pirakasam Angusamy, former national boxer Shino, Somasundram Rajasegaran, Sunway University first-class graduate Kowsalya Sundaram and Loges, a cinematographer from Tamil movie industry, India.
Vairavasundaram said SPARK is now organising more programmes for children aged 10 to 12, focusing on health, safety and academics.
“We don’t want the kids to grow up aimlessly but to engage in healthy activities. Every child has the potential to succeed,” said Vairavasundaram, who has several successful personalities, such as national basketball player Sharwhin Siva Ragu, USM student Kayalvhily, 2020 DIANA Award recipient Priyanka Vairavasundaram, Kowsalya, and Air Force commando and professional boxer Easwaran Murali as SPARK speakers.
He also plans to introduce the fitness boxing programme, led by coach Shino, to even schools in Kedah.
Dr Balakrishnan encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their goals.
“There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work is the only way to the top. Don’t waste time. Learn, grow, and make something of yourselves,” he advised.
Sri Jeevagowry praised SPARK’s efforts to reach out to underprivileged children. “I’m impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the boys, and I hope they have a bright future,” she said.
Balakrishnan, who offered his premises as a training centre, expressed his admiration for SPARK’s dedication. “I hope you all will continue to progress,” he said.
For coach Shino, boxing is more than a sport. It’s a passion.
“I love sharing my knowledge with these boys and anyone interested in learning the sport,” he said.
With such initiatives, SPARK continues to pave the way for a brighter future, using the power of words and action to inspire the next generation.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by M. Daneswaran