SEPANG: The Persons with Disabilities (PwD) International Day and Sports Carnival 2024 celebration at the Dewan Orang Ramai Taman Dahlia, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, today attracted over 1,000 attendees, including community leaders, para-athletes, and members of the special needs community.
The event, organised by the Pertubuhan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) Rumah Payung in Sepang, was officiated by Sepang member of parliament, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, who is also the Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government.
Speaking at the event, Aiman Athirah said such events are not merely gatherings, but vital steps in empowering the OKU community.
She said this is in line with Malaysia Madani's aspirations that emphasise inclusivity, sustainable development, and raising awareness about the contributions that persons with disabilities can offer to society.
"I urge all parties to continue supporting the development of para-sports, and keep expanding the registration for all those who are OKU.
"The latest statistics show that there are 736,607 OKUs registered with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), which is 2.2 per cent of the population.
"I believe there are many more, and thus, efforts to register OKUs must continue so the government can provide the rights and benefits they deserve," she said in her opening speech.
Aiman Athirah also announced the allocation of RM10,000 to support the OKU programme at the event.
Also present at the celebration were Tengku Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya of Sepang, who is also the Patron of the PDK Rumah Payung organisation, Tengku Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Tengku Mahmud Shah Al-Haj; PDK Rumah Payung chairman, Tengku Azlan Shah Tengku Jamaluddin; and Sungai Pelek state assemblyman Lwi Kian Keong.
The theme of this year's National OKU Day is 'Empowering the Leadership Essence of Persons with Disabilities for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future'.
A variety of sports and recreational events were held, bringing together famous paralympic athletes, including Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, who won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
The presence of these athletes not only inspired participants but also energised parents of children with special needs who attended, making the event even more special.