KUCHING: The Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) has expressed hopes for the Meow Autism Run to become an international event in the future.
The event’s organising chairman Timothy Darryl said that this year, the 7th Meow Autism Run to be held on April 28, has attracted at least five participants from abroad.
“As of March 20, 2024, there are 2,861 runners registering for the run and at least five participants who are from abroad.
“With the momentum we have, it is expected that we can achieve or may even break our record of 3,000 runners participating in our charity run event,” he said.
He said this during a press conference and mock cheque presentation by sponsors at Kuching Autistic Association Educational and Vocational Training Centre, Jalan Desa Wira here on Thursday.
With the encouraging participation, Timothy also said that KAA welcomes more participants from outside Malaysia to support the run as they had also intended to make this year’s event an international run.
“Although it may not be in time, we will try to keep this momentum going on in coming years and hopefully one day, the run will be able to be an international event as well while collaborating with the tourism industry,” said Timothy.
Earlier, he said the run to be held on April 28 from 5.45 am to 8 am at MBKS Foyer, Jalan Padungan here will also enable runners to participate in lucky draws.
“Some of the prizes are two Dahon foldable bikes, one Samsung A14 handphone, five pairs of Hummer sunglasses, 20 free passes to Borneo Dash Kart and other giveaways,” he said.
He said the event will feature three running categories: a 3km & 5km Fun Run and a 10km competitive run.
“The run event aims to create awareness to the autism community here and beyond as well as to encourage acceptance within the community which will lay the ground works for the future of autistic individuals as they grow up and try to contribute back within their means to the community.
“We would also want to raise funds for the operation of KAA’s Education & Vocational Training Centre, which amounts to RM1.3 million every year,” he pointed out.
Timothy also extended appreciation to the event’s sponsor for their contributions and pledged their support for the Meow Autism Run 2024.
Among the sponsors are 38 Yayasan Amal Cinta, Valsa (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., Hornbill Skyways Sdn. Bhd., KKB Engineering Bhd., Atur Rancang Telus (ART) Sdn. Bhd., Tecktonic & Sons Holding, Sarawak Energy Berhad, KTS Trading, Belianemas Synergy Sdn. Bhd., SOCOE Sdn. Bhd., Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn, Bhd., Hock Peng Engineering Sdn. Bhd., QL Livestock Farming Sdn Bhd, KTS Mutual Sdn Bhd, Petrajaya Properties Sdn Bhd, Zecon Bhd, Regal Internatinoal Group, Public Bank, and many more.
Those interested can register through online registration via http://t2u.asia/e/33552 or in person at KAA office before March 28, 2024. For more information, please contact KAA office at 082-686363, Kimberly Sim at 010-2686363, Odilia Beatrice at 010-2636300 and Stephanie Goh at 016-5791906.
