Pacemakers Track Meet 2008

Date : 21 September 2008 (Sunday)
Venue : Kampung Pandan Sports Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Time : 7am

For the past one year, the youths under the OPTIONS program had been training at the Taman Rimba TTDI on every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. This is part of their learning program on healthy living besides sharpening their skills on basic living from mopping the floor, preparing a simple meals, taking a bus ride to making their own decision in life.

Qi Han, Ken Han, Wai Kin, Chung Jien, William, Yudhesh and Julie have been training with their 'coach' Julie Wong for almost a year in preparation to eventually taking part in public races and running alongside the ordinary folks. So, when a group of elite runners who called themselves Der Pacemakers decided to hold a Track Meet, Julie Wong seized the opportunity and asked the Captain, Ronnie See to incorporate a special category. Ronnie was very accomodative and agreed to include a Special Category.

On 21 September 2008, 7 youths together with Mettilda the Executive Director of Dignity & Services and the Program Coordinator, Asha arrived at the sports centre at 7.30am. They were truly excited as this will be their 1st public event!

All photos courtesy by http://pmtey.multiply.com/

Arriving at the stadium in jubilant mood!

Briefing by Julie Wong on the regulation of the track event

Julie, the sole female runner in the Special Category

Ken Han, in his casual mood

Qi Han, has great potential and impressed the crowd with his speed

William, ran like an amateur

Wai Kin, another potential in long distance running

Yudhesh, another potential sprinter in track and field event

Chung Jien, despite his limitation he made a grand finishing and won the hearts of many for his determination

Mingling with other participants during the medals presentations

THE PROUD MOMENT

Thank you to Der Pacemakers Group especially the Captain, Ronnie See for making this a memorable experience for the youths.

OPTIONS for SUPPORTED LIVING

OPTIONS - The Supported Living Program commenced in 2006 using a borrowed premises in Old Klang Road. In June 2007, we moved into a single storey house in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI). A total of 10 individuals and their families participated in regular weekend activities and overnight stays.

We have succeeded in raising awareness among the local communities in TTDI through the print media and holding fundraising event like garage sales in the house.

We also managed to recruit a pool of volunteers including families who get involved during the weekend activities. Few of the youths also participated in local sports events in TTDI.

Some of the activities undertaken by the youths during the weekend program as well as overnight stays.

Preparing meals

Repainting a used towel rack

Planting vegetables in the garden

Competing alongside ordinary folks in a Charity Fun Walk

Lim Qi Han, the sole participant in a relay run organised

by the Kuala Lumpur Association of Veteran Athletes at

Kiara Park, TTDI and won a medal.