KUALA LUMPUR – Kawan Athletics, a home-grown inclusive athletics club, is striving to nurture young talents to develop their athletic prowess as well as personal growth.
The initiative aims to encourage and train more people to put their fitness first and to work on their general character and resilience.
Founded in 2018, Kawan Athletics has grown from a two-man operation to a family of over 100 members of all levels striving to reach their desired health and sporting goals.
The community initiative is led by three coaches who create various programmes for the members, including basic motor-skills training for early ages, basic running techniques, strength and fitness, and team-building exercises.
“With a lively community like ours, it makes each step easier as we all work out and run together towards our individual goals,” shared Kwong Kar Jun, head coach and founder of Kawan Athletics.
Some of Kawan Athletics’ notable members include 12-year-old running sensation from Kuala Lumpur’s SJK(C) Kuen Cheng 1, Zoey Sim.
Through her experience with Kawan Athletics, she became the fifth-fastest girl in Malaysia in 2023 and the Best Under-12 Female Athlete at the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Her performance contributed to her team’s gold medal achievement in the 4x200m at the Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM) championships.
Another member making Kawan Athletics proud is Wan Othman, who overcame a major setback in the progress of his athletic goals back in 2022 to win the gold medal in the 4x400m relay at MSSM alongside his team.
In addition, there is also Yong Zen Yi, who has struggled with hearing impairments since birth.
However, this condition did not stop him from breaking the 200m record and being named the Best Under-12 Male Athlete at the MSSS Pendidikan Khas – reflecting Kawan Athletics’ inclusive mission and belief that true dedication can lead to greatness for everyone.
As part of its ongoing mission to focus on the holistic growth of young athletes, Kawan Athletics has also played a crucial role in collaborating with EIN Foundation to introduce EIN Foundation’s Emerging Talent Development Scholarship.
This three-year programme is designed to support athletes with scholarships valued at RM11,880 to cover training expenses as well as an annual RM600 cash allowance for each recipient for their training gear, physiotherapy sessions, and more.
Currently, two Kawan Athletes from SMK Damansara Jaya, Khanaghe Lohshini Kumara Vadivaelan and Sean Hue Sher Heng, have been awarded this scholarship.
Kawan Athletics continues to expand its horizons with the opening of a new centre at SS3, Petaling Jaya, as well as a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia to host a multilateral competition involving young athletes from 10 to 16 years of age.
The event is scheduled to commence sometime in June or July. – January 18, 2024