Marathon aims to raise awareness about disabled kids

Ready to run: Musa launching the run as Marianne (right) and Heng (left) look on.

KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo International Marathon that will take place on May 7 will be running for a goal – to create awareness of disabled children.

Race director Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng said this year’s theme #thisability was to coincide with the event’s 10th anniversary.

“We want to make this run a really meaningful one – to raise awareness of the disabled, and to educate the public about the importance and need for able-bodied and disabled children to learn to live together and respect each other,” he said.

He added that apart from raising awareness and addressing the stigma and discrimination faced by disabled children, the organisers also hoped to raise funds for several charitable bodies in Sabah.

“We target 10,000 participants this year,” he said during the event launch attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman here yesterday.

The disabled who wish to take part in the run can register for free, said Dr Heng.

The marathon will be held in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef).

Unicef representative to Malaysia and Brunei Marianne Clark-Hattingh said sports activities could bring able-bodied and disabled children together and help empower them to recognise their potential.

“Such efforts also advocate for change in society to enable these children to fully realise that potential,” she said, adding that the event would give children an opportunity to learn to live together and respect each other.

Those who wish to participate are urged to sign up before March 31, or before the 10,000 mark is reached.