We founded Specialme.MY Runclub on 8 April 2021, amidst the pandemic. Our promise to our neurodiverse (ND) adults is that we will one day get them to the outside world and place them in a global marathon event, to be seen, heard and celebrated. And they have been training regularly diligently and looking forward to this day ever since.
That day is near. On 3-4 Dec 2022, 7 neurodiverse (ND) youths supported by their siblings, voluntary pacers and caregivers will be running in the 21.1km and 10km events at globally acclaimed Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM2022).
These Malaysian youths are neurodiverse individuals who are autistic, dyslexic, slow learner, ADD/ADHD, down syndrome, global delay and cerebral palsy.
After finishing school at age 18, there is a severe lack of opportunities for them to continue their learning journeys or to be gainfully employed in society. Coming together to run and train towards a common goal has been meaningful and purposeful for our ND adults. Through this, we nurture them to lead a habitual, active and healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
The Specialme.MY Runclub was also set up to bridge the divisive gap between NDs and the general public. We hope to lead by example and educate the public to embrace diversity and inclusivity through joining us in our walks, runs, hikes as well as other forms of community outdoor sports on a regular basis.
In encouraging more ND youths to be active and head outdoors, our first priority is to fund or sponsor every ND runner who joins us with a good pair of running shoes to keep their feet injury-and-pain free when training on the road.
Funds are also needed for our ND runners, volunteers and caregivers for participation in sports events. This often requires paying for registration fees, travel and accommodation, especially for community members from low income backgrounds.
For the upcoming SCSM2022 event this December, there will be 28 runners making a road trip to Singapore. We hope to subsidise 13 NDs and their siblings plus 5 voluntary pacers. The estimated cost is MYR2000 each, covering for travelling, accommodation and meal expenses for 4D/3N. This amounts to MYR36000 for 18 participants.
Our ND runners run selectively in events which promote social causes for others in need as well as advocating for their own visibility while breaking barriers. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP US GROW, and to cheer on these brave individuals for their grit and determination to overcome the impossible. They truly aspire to challenge themselves to go the extra mile and be game changers!
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention - by Oscar Wilde”. No amount is too big or small, it is the loving heart and mind that counts!
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All the best John Wong!
