Target of 2,500 runners for Autism Run
KUCHING: The Kuching Autistic Association ( KAA) will be organising the ‘ Kuching Run for Autism 2017’ which is set to be held at Kuching South City Hall ( MBKS) compound on April 2 at 6.30am. The non- competitive fun run is held in conjunction with World Autism Day (also on April 2) and will be divided into the 3km and 7km categories.
“This run is to raise awareness of autism as well as to raise funds for the association,” KAA liaison officer Cynthia Jee told The Borneo Post yesterday.
She added KAA aimed to have at least 2,500 runners this year as the previous event managed to draw more than 2,000 runners in 2016.
“It was our inaugural event in 2016 where the objective was to create awareness in autism spectrum disorders among Kuching folk. This year, our objective is to create acceptance of autistic children and adults among parents, relatives, friends and society,” she added.
To participate in the run, participants are required to fill up a form which can be obtained at Brooks in Green Heights Mall together with a fee of RM50 for either the 3km or 7km categories. Each runner will also receive a custom designed Brooks dry-fit t-shirt.
“Each runner who finishes the run will be eligible for a medal stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes,” she added.
Meanwhile, KAA which is situated at Taman Desa Wira, Batu Kawa here has over 90 students currently between the ages of four and 36.
In a nutshell, the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a mental condition which is present fromearlychildhood, characterised by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
ASD affect individuals in different ways and can range from very mild to severe. Among the signs of ASD are; delayed and disordered language, impaired social interaction, lack of eye contact, lack of gesture during toddler years, do not follow visual gestures, repetitive behaviour and restricted range of interest.