This is the time of the year again when nearly 30 NGOs and members of the public converged at the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Kuala Lumpur on an early Sunday morning to take part in the 16th Annual Walk/Jog/Wheel-A-Thon. The event which was organized by the SCASFT saw people from all walks of life; able and disabled, visually/hearing/intellectually challenged, young and old came together to walk, jog or wheel, for a charitable cause. It was also held in conjunction with the launching of the golden jubilee celebrations of SCASFT, which was officiated by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

There was an interesting programme lined up for that morning. The registration desk was opened as early as 6 am, and soon hundreds of people streamed into the square eager to enjoy a fun-filled morning. The first event in the programme was a warm-up exercise at 7.30 am followed by a march past by the participants which was led by the DBKL Brass-band. There were four categories of participants; Abled-bodied, Physically Disabled, Wheelchair-bound and Severely Disabled. They were flagged-off at different times with different distances to cover. The first flag-off began at 8.20 am. A vintage car parade also moved along with the participants, bringing with them passengers who were not able to go the distance on their own due to their physical conditions.

MPDA was represented by a small team of people, namely, Sara, Sivaraman Kannan, Eric Yong, Datin Tok Puan Hjh. Siti Ruhani, Rose Hooi and children, Tan Teck Bee and family members. Eric Yong, a person with Parkinson's did MPDA proud by bagging the first prize in the veteran disabled category. We also won a few prizes in the lucky draw. The lucky number was based on the number in the jogathon cards that were distributed to our members months earlier for sponsorship of funds for the event. Our total collection was about RM7,500. We hope that our members will give their continuous support again this year, and bring in more money for our association.

For those who were not involved in the competition, there was a showrama to keep them entertained on the field. They were dances from the Bethany Home (Teluk Intan) students, Global Youth Club members, and line dances by the ladies from Persatuan Dayspring.

The highlight of the day was the launching of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of SCASFT/unveiling of the Spastic Redevelopment Programme by Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Entertainment was also provided by the Spastic Center Percussion Band, Mini sports performance by the celebral palsy children below ten years old, Malay dance performance by students of a dance academy, and a special performance by our Malaysian Michael Jackson.

After the VIP speeches, presentation of prizes by the Guest of Honour and refreshment, the program ended at about 1 pm.

The next 17th Annual Jog/Walk/Wheel-A-Thon will be held on 10th October 2010, and I look forward to an increase participation by our members. Don't miss out the fun.

Organising committee holds monthly meetings months before the event. Our President, Sara Lew attends the meetings on behalf of MPDA.	The Organising Committee comprised representatives from all the participating organizations.
From L-R: Pastor Roger Woon (Beautiful Gate/Global Youth), Dato' Dr. Lam Peng Chong (Organising Chairman/SCASFT), Datuk Dr. Mohinder Singh (Oranising Vice-Chairmen/SCASFT).	The registration desk was opened as early as 6am for last minute registration from the public to participant in the event.
Liba Connolly helps pin the participation number on Eric's shirt.	Ever so efficient Rose, confirms with Sara and Teck Bee on some final details of MPDA's participation.
Our team members all rearing to go for the "Gold". For L to R: Eric Yong, Tan Teck Bee, Liba Connolly and Sivaraman.	DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) Brass band leading the march past of participants.
Flag-off of participants under the severely physical disabled category (4th Category).	Flagged-off for the men/women open (1st batch: abled-bodied).
Ready… On the Mark…. Get Set ... GO!! The President of SCASFT Dato' Dr Lam Peng Chong flagging off the event.	Follow me for I will lead ... Dato' Dr. Lam also goes the distance with the participants.
A Malay dance performance by students of a Dance Academy.	You can't beat it! Tis's our homegrown Michael Jackson doing a thriller!
VIPs in a row. Far left: Patron of SCASFT, Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Dr. Saleha Mohd. Ali and Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (3rd from left).	Children from SCASFT with the VIPs after the launching of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of SCASFT.
Eric Yong receiving his 1st prize from Datuk Seri Shahrizat.	From L-R: Sara Lew, Rose Hooi, Eric Yong and Datin Tok Puan Hjh Siti Ruhani.