The New Straits Times, 25 February 2014
KAJANG: The nation's best taekwondo exponents took a break
from their gruelling training schedules to give back to the less
fortunate by spending time with 60 orphans from Rumah Nur Hikmah last
week.
Organised by Taekwondo Malaysia (TM), a total of 18 exponents from the
national elite and back-up squads as well as coaches and TM officials
took part in gotong-royong activities at the orphanage's compound.
The event also saw the orphans receiving cash, toys and clothing worth over RM5,000 from TM. A total of five young and talented exponents from the home were also given grants to cover their taekwondo training fees for a year.
Two-time Sea Games gold medallist Elaine Teo, who is now coaching the back-up squad, said it was an eye opening experience for the athletes.
"The event is being held in conjunction with TM's fourth anniversary and is a great way for us to give back to society," said the 33-year-old.
"It is also good experience for our exponents as they can see for themselves the hardships that others go through. It will help build their character.
"Hopefully, some of the kids here will become more interested in taekwondo after our visit and one day become champions."
TM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said the children from the orphanage represent the future of Malaysian sports.
"I just came here after the Winter Olympic (in Sochi, Russia) which represents the pinnacle of sports. These children here represent the grassroots and the future.
"If they are given the right support and have the determination, they too can represent Malaysia at the Olympics one day."
The event also saw the orphans receiving cash, toys and clothing worth over RM5,000 from TM. A total of five young and talented exponents from the home were also given grants to cover their taekwondo training fees for a year.
Two-time Sea Games gold medallist Elaine Teo, who is now coaching the back-up squad, said it was an eye opening experience for the athletes.
"The event is being held in conjunction with TM's fourth anniversary and is a great way for us to give back to society," said the 33-year-old.
"It is also good experience for our exponents as they can see for themselves the hardships that others go through. It will help build their character.
"Hopefully, some of the kids here will become more interested in taekwondo after our visit and one day become champions."
TM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said the children from the orphanage represent the future of Malaysian sports.
"I just came here after the Winter Olympic (in Sochi, Russia) which represents the pinnacle of sports. These children here represent the grassroots and the future.
"If they are given the right support and have the determination, they too can represent Malaysia at the Olympics one day."
Taekwondo
Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar spends some time with
orphan Muhammad Ikhwan Arifat at the Rumah Nur Hikmah in Taman Mesra
Kajang last week. Pic by Osman Adnan
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