At least that is what we think of the potential of the Malaysian Disability Managers’ Association (MyDIMA) Run & Roll Carnival & Charity Run 2019 that took place in Melaka last Saturday, 16 November 2019. An estimated 1,200 runners turned up for the event, with hundreds of them traveled from as far as Kuala Lumpur just to show their support and to build awareness for the less-able community. The event if co-organised between MyDIMA and Puspanita Perkeso.

Event personnel and runners gathered at PERKESO’s Rehabilitation Centre in Ayer Keroh as early as 6:00am, and were greeted with a perfect morning and a warm-up dance prior to the flag-off at 7:00am.

To our surprise, everyone was high on adrenaline early in the morning with competitive smiles on their faces (especially those on wheels) to vie for podium positions in their selected categories. Distance ranges from 200m kids dash to the 10km for adults (with or without disability).

It was then we realised that these participants with disability are regular marathon finishers, a solid proof that their disabilities were never the obstacles for them to cruise through the uphills, challenging terrains and their lives.

27-year-old Dorisvaran A/L Chandrasakaran, a 2km participant who had recently completed his recovery at the rehabilitation centre said that “this is an opportunity for wheelers like me to showcase ourselves that we are healthy and happy. It is an amazing programme organised by PERKESO with fun-filled activities such as archery, health exhibition, and even a children’s area to bring families, friends and the community together.”

“It was a professionally organised race with great control and security. Moreover, it is a great event to increase my awareness towards the management of disabilities in Malaysia, as well as the services offered by PERKESO’s Rehabilitation Centre,” said Khairul Fazli bin Kamarudin, 10km finisher.

Overall, it was a race with a bright future and we hope that the running community in Malaysia can continue to support and be more inclusive for participants with disabilities.

Race Results
Male Open
1) Jensen Julian – 00:42:19
2) Simon Antonius – 00:42:50
3) Tay Lye Choon – 00:43:46

Female Open
1) Mishalini A/P Vijayakumar – 00:55:00
2) Suriani Mohd – 01:00:00
3) Lee Chai Li: 1:10:00

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