A boost for the disabled

By THO XIN YI

FOR Bathmavathi Krishnan, being disabled does not stop her from participating in sports.

A former athlete in school, her world was shattered when she met with an accident 32 years ago. She then lost the ability to walk.

Gutsy: Malaysian Interfaith Network coordinator Dr John Gurusamy presenting the trophy and cash prize to Bathmavathi.

But a ray of hope appeared when wheelchair tennis was introduced in the early 80s and she saw the possibility of taking part in sports again.

“Besides keeping myself fit, sports gives me a sense of satisfaction and self-worth,” said the 53-year-old retiree.

Bathmavathi was among some 120 disabled people who participated in the Mini Sports For the Disabled 2007 at SJK (C) Puay Chai recently.

She bagged the first runner up trophy in wheelchair ping-pong (women's category).

The event, organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled and Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled, was aimed at providing an opportunity for the disabled from different races and backgrounds to interact and build friendships.

“It is also a way to boost the disabled people's confidence while challenging them physically and mentally through sports,” said Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Pastor Sia Siew Chin.

Damansara Utama assemblyman Datuk Lim Choon Kin who was present at the prize giving ceremony said: “Although the disabled are physically handicapped, their ability to perform is sometimes better than the able-bodied.”

“This sports event is an encouragement to the disabled and also an eye-opener for the able,'' he added.

A total of four events – wheelchair ping-pong, wheelchair badminton, chess and lawn bowling – were held in the mini sports.

It was sponsored by SS2 food court, Pizza Hut, England Optical Group and Suan Huat Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/7/14/central/18250697&sec=central