BEING visually impaired was no obstacle for 17 participants who rode 90km from the MAB Complex in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, to Seri Bayu Resort Bagan Lalang, Selangor.
In conjunction with Malaysia Day, the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) organised the Selangor Blind Ride.
At the launch, MAB chief executive officer George Thomas said the programme was something that members had been looking forward to.
“After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this is our first long-distance ride as we usually have annual and biannual cycling programmes.”
“We have the tandem club reactivating. Volunteers, who help to be the front riders, usually spend a few hours on weekend mornings to help the participants train,” said Thomas.
“The programme aims to instil love and show the spirit of patriotism of the visually disabled,” he said, adding that he hoped to hold the ride every year.
For the ride to Bagan Lalang, participants were assisted by 17 committee and technical members as well as 17 volunteers who acted as tandem front riders and marshals.
Thomas said MAB hoped that this programme would create awareness within mainstream society to include people with disabilities as this proved that they were capable.
The programme was supported by Selangor government, Dana Kita Charity Organisation, Mr DIY, and Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
Representing MBSJ deputy mayor and MBSJ Cycling Association chairman Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali was MBSJ senior assistant director Tarmidi Kadri.
Tarmidi lauded the programme, saying, “I am impressed with the spirit and capability of the visually impaired participants.”
He encouraged other organisations to create programmes that included the disabled.
Also present at the programme’s launch was MAB youth, sports and recreation committee chairman Irwan Hanis Datuk Ismail.
The two-day programme included recreational activities in Bagan Lalang.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
