Juniper
The 30th edition of the Spastic Fun Run 2025 waso fficially flagged off at Dataran PJ by Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities (JPOKU) within the Department of Social Welfare (JKM)
Encik Pathmanathan A/L R. Nalasamy, Selangor State EXCO for Women and Family Empowerment, Welfare & Care Economy YB Puan Anfaal Binti Saari, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya YB Lee Chean Chung, and Mayor of Petaling Jaya Tuan Haji Mohamad Zahri bin Samingon.
Organised by the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor & Federal Territory (SCASFT) in collaboration with multiple NGOs, the event attracted over 3,000 participants, including members of the public and persons with disabilities, rallying support to raise funds and awareness for the underprivileged. Continuing its meaningful theme — “Your Contribution = Their Hope” — the event advocates
compassion, inclusion, and acceptance within society.
The four VIPs not only officiated the flag-off ceremony but also personally joined representatives of the disabled community, walking and pushing wheelchairs alongside them for a 2km unity walk, demonstrating strong support for children with cerebral palsy and persons with disabilities. The event also featured a 5km Fun Run and 10km Competitive Run, encouraging public participation through multiple formats.
Event Highlights — Celebrating 30 Years of Impact
The atmosphere was lively throughout the morning, with RM40,000 worth of prizes which include lucky draw prizes, Zumba warm-up sessions, community exhibition booths, and a food truck zone bringing joy to all attendees. SCASFT also received four mock cheque presentations, contributed by generous sponsors in support of its operation’s needs. The centre monthly operations is about RM170K and received most of them from the generous donations from the public and companies.
SCASFT Board Member and Organising Chairperson Datuk Jerry said:
“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.”
VIPs Calls for Greater Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Encik Pathmanathan A/L R. Nalasamy urged the public and private sectors to provide more learning and development opportunities for children with special needs so they can gain skills and confidently integrate into society.
“SCASFT has been consistently committed to rehabilitation and education for these children — and deserves continued attention and support from all walks of life,” he said.
30 Years of Advocacy — A Legacy of Inclusion and Hope
Established in 1960, SCASFT organised the first Walk-Jog-Wheel-A-Thon in 1994 — and the event has since continued for three decades. The annual run not only supports SCASFT’s operations but also raises public awareness and encourages involvement in the welfare of the disabled community.
The run is also participated by various welfare based NGOs where from this run they get the exposure and raised fund for their own organisation. This year the NGOs had managed to raise about RM130K for their own organisation.
Funds raised this year will go towards upgrading physiotherapy facilities, expanding special education and vocational training programmes, and contributing to the new building development fund to enhance long-term care for children with cerebral palsy.
