We did it: The YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge team at the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan. — The Straits Times/ANN
A group of climbers with special needs reached the peak of fabled Mount Fuji.
The 10 participants, who are in their 20s and 30s, have conditions such as Down syndrome, global developmental delay or autism.
They summited the 3,776m mountain, Japan’s tallest, on Aug 26 as part of the YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge.
It aims to raise S$200,000 (RM686,604) in funding for YMCA programmes that train and advocate for youth with special needs.
The YMCA of Singapore’s Special Needs Ambassadors made the climb with 16 caregivers, coaches and volunteers.
Participants completed 12 weeks of intensive training beforehand, which included hiking at Dairy Farm Nature Park and climbing up and down the 47-storey Housing Board project, SkyVille@Dawson, several times a session.
Gareth Chua – who has autism spectrum disorder – made it to the top with his father. — The Straits Times/ANN
