Down's syndrome children prove themselves at World Run Day
Down's syndrome children prove themselves at World Run Day
Abdul Khalik
The Jakarta Post/Jakarta
Eko grabbed his medal and held it high, proud to have crossed the
finish line in the World Run Day on Sunday, organized by the
British International School (BIS) in Bintaro, Tangerang.
Although he did not place in the three-kilometer and five-
kilometer non-competitive runs, all participants who made it
through the finish line received a medal.
Eko approached his friends while several parents patted his
shoulder in congratulations.
"I am thirsty and I need a drink. I am tired but I am happy,"
he said, still trying to catch his breath.
Eko and his friends -- who have Down's syndrome -- all managed
to finish the run, although some needed assistance from their
adult companions. Other participants of the run yelled, "Great
job," or clapped whenever one of Eko's group made it across the
finish line.
Indonesian Down's Syndrome Association (ISDI) chairwoman
Aryanti R. Yacub expressed her gratitude to BIS, which had
invited Eko and other children to join the fun run, and said the
event could be the start of communal recognition of Down's
syndrome children.
"This is a very good event for the children. We hope people do
not reject them as a part of society. We also hope that the
children will be invited to more events after this," she told The
Jakarta Post.
The World Run Day, which falls on Nov. 7 every year, is an
international fund-raiser in which participants literally run for
charity.
Since its establishment in 1999, millions of people in
hundreds of cities across the world have participated in the
event, running to make a contribution directly to their favorite
charity.
This year, around 400 cities held events to mark the day. The
fun run organized by BIS was the second to be held in Jakarta,
and the only official World Run Day celebration in Indonesia this
year.
Paul Starkie, BIS head of Pastoral Care and Community
Relations, said around 400 children and adults from both
international and local schools participated in the event, which
aimed to raise money to help the poor of the surrounding
community.
"We managed to raise around Rp 25 million (US$2,747) from this
event. And all will go to charity," Starkie told the Post.
A British father and his 10-year-old daughter, who sat down to
rest near the finish line, looked tired but happy.
"We are exhausted, but we enjoyed it very much. The atmosphere
is fantastic. I think this is a very good event for a family
gathering," he said.