PETALING JAYA — The 30th Spastic Fun Run 2025 was held in a grand celebration of community and compassion at Dataran PJ Sunday morning. Attracting over 3,000 participants, including members of the public and persons with disabilities, the milestone event successfully rallied support to raise crucial funds and awareness for the underprivileged, continuing its meaningful theme: “Your Contribution = Their Hope.”
The event, organised by the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor & Federal Territory (SCASFT) in collaboration with multiple NGOs, was officially flagged off by four distinguished VIPs:
- Encik Pathmanathan A/L R. Nalasamy, Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities (JPOKU) within the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
- YB Puan Anfaal Binti Saari, Selangor State EXCO for Women and Family Empowerment, Welfare & Care Economy.
- YB Lee Chean Chung, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya.
- Tuan Haji Mohamad Zahri bin Samingon, Mayor of Petaling Jaya.
In a strong demonstration of solidarity and commitment to the community, the four VIPs personally joined representatives of the disabled community for a 2km unity walk, walking and pushing wheelchairs alongside them. This gesture highlighted the urgent need for compassion, inclusion, and acceptance for children with cerebral palsy and other persons with disabilities.
Celebrating Three Decades of Impact
The morning atmosphere was vibrant and lively, featuring a variety of community engagement activities alongside the races, including:
- A 5km Fun Run and a 10km Competitive Run to encourage widespread public participation.
- A lively Zumba warm-up session and a food truck zone.
- RM40,000 worth of prizes and lucky draws.
- Community exhibition booths, providing exposure for various welfare-based NGOs.
The NGOs participating in the run managed to raise approximately RM130,000 for their own respective organisational needs, showcasing the broader community benefit of the annual event.
During the ceremony, SCASFT received four mock cheque presentations from generous sponsors, which are vital for its monthly operations, costing approximately RM170,000.
Datuk Jerry, a Board Member and Organising Chairperson for the Association, reflected on the event’s legacy: “Over the past 30 years, this event has not only been a fundraising platform but a true reflection of national inclusivity. Walking the 2km route alongside the differently-abled allows participants to experience their daily challenges—and inspires a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility.”
Calls for Greater Support
Encik Pathmanathan A/L R. Nalasamy used the platform to urge greater support from both the public and private sectors, emphasizing the need to provide more learning and development opportunities for children with special needs. This support, he noted, is crucial so that these children can gain skills and confidently integrate into society.
The Association, established in 1960, organized its first community run in 1994, and the annual event has consistently grown over the last three decades to become a critical source of funding and public awareness.
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Funds raised from this year’s run will be dedicated to several key initiatives designed to enhance the long-term care for children with cerebral palsy, including:
- Upgrading physiotherapy facilities.
- Expanding special education and vocational training programmes.
- Contributing to the new building development fund.
