SETAPAK, KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the mud from a heavy rain the previous night and the heat, almost 2000 participants turned up at Walk for Cure 2014 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in a resounding stand against diabetes. This fun-filled walk, organised by private healthcare company, Columbia Asia Sdn Bhd, was held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day. In partnership with the Hot Shoe Show and Co., the event held last Sunday, 16 November 2014 raised RM36,000 for the children’s fund of Diabetes Malaysia, an NGO that supports the needs and wellbeing of diabetic patients nationwide. The funds will be used to provide supportive care for underprivileged children with type-1 diabetes (infants to 18 years old).
The CEO of Columbia Asia-South East, Kelvin Tan said, “This is indeed a great achievement not only for us at Columbia Asia, but for the many Malaysians who are here today to support diabetes awareness. Through the funds raised, we will be able to provide assistance to underprivileged children with type-1 diabetes under Diabetes Malaysia.”
This year’s Walk for Cure was supported by the Ministry of Health and officiated by State Health Director of Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Datuk Dr. Narimah Nor Yahaya, who has shown strong support for Walk For Cure since its inception in 2012.
"The burden of non-communicable diseases including diabetes continues to increase in Malaysia and the government is very concerned. We are concerned because diabetes causes significant disability and premature deaths due to its various complications. All stakeholders need to play their part to prevent and manage diabetes, from public and private organisations to practitioners and the rakyat themselves. Today's Walk For Cure initiative is an example of how this can be done and by continuing on this path, we can, together, win the fight against diabetes," said Datuk Dr Narimah in her speech during the event.
It was not only individual participants who were present on the day, the Malaysian Blind Football Team and the Malaysian Paralympic Badminton came out to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in full force to support the cause. Participants even had a chance to play, blindfolded, against the Malaysian Blind Football National team in a friendly futsal game.
Walk for Cure 2014 took on a fun-walk theme which included a Zumba workout and a limbo rock challenge led by Malaysia’s top fitness trainers from Celebrity Fitness. Participants were also treated to a mini concert with live music and performances by Didi Astillah, Chia Vivien, Nina and Zarif from Akademi Fantasia 2014, Karmal, Chelsia Ng, Ntah Sape2 Ntah and more. There were also a band and a beatbox performance by students from Taylors University College.
Irene Esther, who has a 14-year old diabetic son, said, “I’m really glad that so many people attended and participated in Walk for Cure 2014. Their involvement means my son Bryan Ashwin will get more support from the aid provided by Diabetes Malaysia.”
Walk for Cure 2014 is sponsored by MBO Cinemas, Panasonic, Acqua 9, High 5, Warner Music, Celebrity Fitness, E-Ions Corporation Sdn Bhd, Watsons and Cake.
No comments:
Post a Comment