Funds from the fun run will go towards upgrading facilities, expanding training and supporting building project
PETALING JAYA: The 30th edition of the Spastic Fun Run 2025 was held last Sunday morning at Dataran PJ here with the meaningful theme “Your Contribution = Their Hope” to advocate compassion, inclusion and acceptance within society.
Organised by the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor & Federal Territory (SCASFT) in collaboration with several NGOs, the event attracted over 3,000 participants, including members of the general public and persons with disabilities, rallying support to raise funds and awareness for the underprivileged.
The funds will go towards upgrading physiotherapy facilities, expanding special education and vocational training programmes, and contributing to the new building development fund to enhance long-term care for children with cerebral palsy.
The flag-off was jointly officiated by the director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities (JPOKU) within the Social Welfare Department Pathmanathan R.
Nalasamy, Selangor Women’s Development and Social Welfare Executive Councillor Anfaal Saari, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, and PJMayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
The four also joined representatives of the disabled community, walking and pushing wheelchairs alongside for a 2km unity walk, demonstrating strong support for children with cerebral palsy and persons with disabilities.
The event featured a 5km Fun Run and 10km Competitive Run, encouraging public participation through varying formats.
The atmosphere was lively throughout the morning with RM40,000 worth of prizes including for lucky draws, Zumba warm-up sessions, community exhibition booths, and a food truck zone with snacks and drinks.
SCASFT also received four mock cheques, contributed by generous sponsors in support of its operational needs.
The centre’s monthly operations is about RM170,000 and it receives most of this from generous donations from the public and companies.
“Over the past 30 years, this event has not only been a fundraising platform, but a true reflection of national inclusivity,” said organising chairman Datuk Jerry Ching.
“Walking the 2km route alongside the differently-abled allows participants to experience their daily challenges, and inspires a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Pathmanathan urged the public and private sectors to provide more learning and development opportunities for children with special needs so they can gain skills and confidently integrate into society.
“SCASFT has been consistently committed to rehabilitation and education for these children — and deserves continued attention and support from all walks of life,” he said.
Established in 1960, the association organised the first Walk-Jog-Wheel-A-Thon in 1994
The run this year was also participated by various welfare-based NGOs who obtained exposure and raised funds for their own organisations, managing to collect about RM130,000.
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