Over RM102,000 raised for Paralympic movement

(Standing from left) Citi Malaysia chief executive officer Lee Lung Nien, world para archer champion S. Suresh, Yeoh, Mohamad Ridzuan, Citi country business manager Elaine Fan, Paralympic Council of Malaysia deputy president John Ng and Muhammad Nur Syaiful (seated) at the launch of the programme.

VOLUNTEERS from Citi Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Penang raised over RM102,000 for the Paralympic movement in Malaysia in support of the training and development of para athletes in boccia, para archery, wheelchair rugby and para badminton.

The bank partnered with Paralympic Council of Malaysia to host Citi’s 14th Global Community Day and helped boost the Tambah Emas public fundraising campaign for Malaysian Paralympians training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Citi is a global international partner of the International Paralympic Committee and supports Paralympic councils in 18 key markets.

In Malaysia, Citi has sponsored two Paralympians — sprinter Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and swimmer Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli.

Mohamad Ridzuan and Muhammad Muhammad Nur Syaiful are world-class para athletes and have done Malaysia proud by bringing home gold medals from previous Paralympic games.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh who launched the programme said, “It has become increasingly difficult for NGOs to do fundraising today, so every effort like today helps.

“I hope with the support given by the corporate sector like Citi Malaysia, the disabled are able to get more resources to move forward.

“To the athletes, you now have a duty to show to the rest of the community that with the right attitude and family support, you can definitely bring home the gold,” she added.Held at the Malaysian Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, the 14th Citi Global Community Day saw Citi volunteers and Paralympic athletes participate in a number of Paralympic events, including wheelchair basketball, para badminton, para archery, boccia, goalball, tandem cycling and table tennis.

The opening event kicked off with a swimming showcase by Muhammad Nur Syaiful and other para swimmers.

Citi’s employees, their families and the athletes spent the morning participating in friendly competitions, giving volunteers the opportunity to experience the challenges of para sports and show their appreciation to the Paralympians for their determination and sporting excellence in the global arena.