Participants for the 6km run surging across the starting line on their way out.
KUCHING: The Silent Run Kuching held yesterday was not completely silent, but participants learned a thing or two about how the silent community interacts.
Over 2,100 runners took part in both the 6km and 3km categories. Around 300 of them were from the deaf community.
It was organised by Beam Event Management to create public awareness of the deaf, in aid of Sarawak Deaf Sports Association (SSDeaf), and of the upcoming 19th Sukan Orang Pekak Malaysia (Sopma XIX), to be held here from Sept 30 to Oct 7.
Dr Sim (fourth right), Chan (fifth right) and Wong (second right) together with the two Sopma mascots and others during the event. — Photos by Tan Song Wei.
A total of 32 game officials from other state contingents are in Kuching this week to inspect venues and discuss technical matters of the biennial games.
Minister of Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who came to flag off the run from CityOne Megamall, said that he will try to rally up more support for Sopma from the state government.
“We need the public to support the deaf community, and encourage them to be as normal as possible. Some of them may be born like this, but they are very talented people and can contribute to society as much as the rest of us can,” he told reporters.
The Silent Run also aimed to raise funds for SSDeaf, which is seeking sponsorship for Sopma XIX.
Kenbest Sdn Bhd, which manages CityOne Megamall, contributed RM10,000 to SSDeaf. The mock cheque was handed over by managing director Stephen Long.
Dr Sim also donated RM10,000.
Also present were Kuching City South Mayor Datuk James Chan, and SSDeaf president Albert Wong Tuong Chai.
In late May, around 1,000 people participated at the launch of the Sopma baton run.