KUCHING: Members from Special Olympics Sarawak Kuching Chapter (SO Kuching) have given the thumbs-up to organisers of the 2014 Kuching Marathon at Padang Merdeka last Sunday.
Jubilant members and athletes from Special Olympics Sarawak Kuching Chapter (SO Kuching) pose with Mariani (centre) as they display the medals won after finishing the 5km fun run of the 2014 Kuching Marathon.
SO Kuching president Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain expressed her appreciation to the organisers for inviting 32 of its members and athletes to participate in the 5km fun run which was part of the inaugural event officiated by Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We are full of praises for the organisers for remembering us and inviting us to join such a big scale event which meant a lot to our athletes who are actually children with learning disabilities and intellectually challenged,” she said.
On top of that, the athletes’ and members’ participation in the Kuching Marathon had motivated them to continue to be involved in sports and games.
SO Kuching is a non-government organisation (NGO) which encourages and motivates its members and athletes to be actively involved in sports and games as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Being an NGO, Special Olympics is dedicated to people who are intellectually challenged and children with learning disabilities where we give them the opportunities to develop physical fitness, self-esteem, confidence and become productive as well as respected members of society,” Mariani added.
Earlier this year on June 15, the management of theSpring shopping complex had also invited members and athletes from SO Kuching to take part in their annual Active Run.
They have also been invited by the organisers of the coming Animazing Race 2014 to participate in the annual event on September 27.
“It had been an eventful year for all of us at SO Kuching and we thank members of the public especially the corporate sector for their generous support to our athletes and members,” Mariani said.