Over 30 neurodiverse kids join KL Bar Run, learning confidence, social skills and inclusion alongside peers and mentors
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 30 neurodiverse children joined underprivileged and neurotypical youths at the KL Bar Run yesterday at Padang Merbok, running alongside mentors, parents and members of the legal community.
For many families, the event was more than a race, it was an opportunity for their children to be part of a crowd and be celebrated for their abilities rather than defined by their differences.
Care2Run, which participated in the run this year, organised mentor-led teams pairing neurodiverse children with peers from various backgrounds.
For homemaker Zarina, whose 19-year-old son Waseem has autism, being in crowded public spaces was once a struggle.
“For him to be in a crowd was challenging initially. He has high sensitivity. Now, he is able to blend in. I can see he is happy to be around people,” she said after Waseem received his participation medal and trophy.
She added that the programme offered more than physical activity, sending a wider message that neurodivergent children can integrate fully into society.
“Not only because of the runs, but because everyone is here together. All abilities in one place. It’s not disability first, it’s different ability. Everyone has their own challenges and strengths. Don’t just see the challenges.”
Engineer Lee Sue Lynn, 38, whose eight-year-old daughter Athena Ee An Rhou has ADHD, praised the structured preparation by organisers and mentors.
Care2Run held a series of preparatory running clinics ahead of the KL Bar Run to familiarise participants with the setting, build confidence and encourage social interaction.
“I wanted her to get into sports. This is proper training because we had running clinics before the actual event. If I run with her, she says she’s tired. But if there’s someone else running with her or friends alongside, she can run and she can run fast too.
“After the running clinics, the kids opened up. Now, they say ‘hi’ and interact more. It opened up my eyes to other neurodivergent children and how we can help them integrate into society.”
Oil-and-gas worker Chong Yik Teong, 52, said he brings his children to such events to encourage social engagement.
“Nowadays, kids just stay at home.
I want them to join public events, be open-minded and mix with others,” he said.
Chong, whose family has joined Care2Run programmes before, added that exposure matters, especially for one child he described as “a special case”.
“This type of event keeps him in an inclusive environment. He can mix around and explore.”
Homemaker Adriene Leong, 46, whose nine-year-old son Xavier Leong-Raj was participating for the second time, said the greater challenge lies in how society treats children with different abilities.
“Our society needs to be more welcoming. It’s more about wanting him to blend in. It’s a socialising activity,” she said.
“Children are beautiful, neurodivergent or not. When we build a society that is good for children, it will also be good for everyone.”
Care2Run co-founder and principal coach Prem Kumar Ramadas said the event setting itself forms part of the learning process.
“They have to process waking up early, turn-taking and loud sounds. These aren’t always easy, but exposure builds tolerance and belief in themselves.
“Some participants who wouldn’t normally step on stage are now completing runs or receiving recognition.
“From disbelief, they become believers. Events like this help them integrate into society, meet people and realise they are not alone.”
The run also drew participation from the legal community.
Legal associate Muhammed Nazhrin Faisal Sabri, 27, said it has become a tradition among many firms.
“It’s nice for the Malaysian Bar to stand with the community and highlight groups that need awareness. You see judges running, most of them faster than junior lawyers. It’s inspiring.”
Participant Cindy Yeong, 49, a procurement staff member, said she joined to support the children and families.
“The children need support and cheering to finish the run. I feel blessed seeing how patient and strong the parents are. It’s about teamwork, love and patience.”
Founded in 2015 as an eight-week one-on-one sports mentoring initiative for youths from low-income households and welfare homes, Care2Run later expanded to include children with developmental differences such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and dyslexia.
The programme pairs youths with mentors through structured sports and activity-based learning to build confidence, social skills and participation in community life.