ANN/THE STAR – Visually impaired 77-year-old Tam Wong Teng has always had a fear of heights and flying. However, on September 15, he bravely confronted those fears by participating in a tandem paragliding event in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor.
The retired massage therapist joined 34 other visually impaired individuals for the event, which was held in celebration of Malaysia Day.
Their remarkable achievement earned them a place in the Malaysia Book of Records for the first tandem paragliding programme for visually impaired participants.
During their five-minute paragliding experience, these individuals enjoyed breathtaking views at over 400 metres (m) above sea level.
The event was organised by the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) with support from the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council, the Selangor State Women, Family Empowerment, Welfare and Care Economy Committee, and the Selangor State Disability Action Council.
Tam was the oldest blind participant in the historic event. It was also his first attempt at paragliding.
“It was a wonderful experience. I could fly! I never imagined I’d be flying in the sky at 77. I joined the event for the thrill of it. Life’s too short not to embrace new adventures, no matter your age or ability,” said Tam during a phone interview from Kuala Lumpur recently.
Tam stands as living proof that blindness should never be a barrier to exploring new experiences.
“I was a bit scared at first, but I didn’t mind giving it a try. Feeling the wind in my face and soaring through the sky was incredible. Although I am blind, I love to take on new challenges.
“A few years ago, I went on a 120-kilometre (km) tandem cycling event in Manjung, Perak, and the following year, I completed the 21-km run in the PJ Half Marathon in Petaling Jaya.
Next year, I hope to participate in a full marathon,” said the father of one.
MAB chief executive officer Datuk George Thomas said MAB organised the event to showcase the extraordinary capabilities of blind individuals in extreme sports. It highlights a feat that has never been accomplished before.
“This achievement aims to raise awareness about the abilities of blind individuals in extreme sports and to demonstrate that they can excel in any activity, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions.
“Through this event, we want to send a strong message about the importance of inclusivity, emphasising that blind individuals, like all citizens, should be included in all activities rather than being sidelined or segregated,” he said.
In addition to the accomplishments, MAB also wants to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of its visually impaired community. In 2007, eight visually impaired people climbed Gunung Tahan in Pahang, showcasing their adventurous spirit and determination, with a Malaysia Book of Records title in hand.
Last year, MAB, in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia and Floria Water Recreation, achieved another record for “Most Visually Impaired Participants in a Kayaking Programme”.
“These accomplishments serve as a testament to MAB’s commitment to empowering the visually impaired community, enabling them to pursue their passions and dreams without barriers.
“Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals with special can thrive,” Thomas concluded. – Sheela Chandran
