Runners with disabilities join community fun

AROUND 2,000 runners took part in an event to promote inclusiveness and community bonding yesterday.

The Passion North East Run included 38 runners with visual or intellectual disabilities. They were helped by volunteer guides who warned them of bends or held ropes to help them detect a change in direction.

The Pasir Ris Park event included a 4km fun run and competitive 14km runs for men, women and those over 45.

Ms Zaimoon Isah Mohamed Yussoff, 49, an office assistant who is visually handicapped, took part in the fun run.

"This is a good chance to meet other people," she said. "I also wanted others to know that you can still run even though you're visually handicapped."

The event was organised jointly by the North East Community Development Council, Pasir Ris-Punggol Community Sports Club and the Punggol East Community Sports Club.

There have been similar runs or brisk walks in the North East District in the past four years, but this was the first time that participants with disabilities have taken part in a run.

Organiser Anthony Tan, 48, chairman of Pasir Ris West Community Sports Club, said it was "made for everyone".

"When I heard that they wanted to take part, I thought 'why not?' It's something different that we can do."

Deputy Prime Minister and Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Teo Chee Hean, who flagged off yesterday's event, said the run had "important elements of community bonding". North East District Mayor and Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Teo Ser Luck also took part in the run.

kcarolyn@sph.com.sg

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