PORT DICKSON: Some 200 disabled participants spent almost the entire day yesterday having fun at the National Paintball Competition, which is part of Jelajah OKU Sentral at Regency Tanjung Tuan Beach Resort here.
Even though they had limited mobility and other disabilities, they did extremely well in the competition shooting at targets and avoiding being shot at.
OKU Sentral Association president Ras Adiba Radzi said the contest was divided into three categories - "OKU Fizikal" for those on wheelchairs, "OKU Pekak" for those with hearing difficulties, "OKU Pembelajaran", and "OKU Pelbagai" which includes those who are visually impaired.
She said this was the first time the association was organising the competition and Negeri Sembilan was chosen as the venue as there were sufficient facilities for the disabled.
"This is also an opportunity for the disabled to meet and give each other motivation that they too can do what others are able to.
"Participants were excited as it's the first time they are in a competitive environment," she said when met at the venue.
Ras Adiba thanked all individuals and corporations, as well as the state government, for helping make the programme a success.
In the competition, the Melati Shooters team emerged champion in Category A, while OB and Krabi got second and third places respectively.
Under Category B, the champion was Saujana Puchong, while second and third places were secured by Harry Potter and Max Steel respectively.
For Category C, the champion was RGK, second place Cantas and third place Unknown.
The champion for each category walked away with RM1,000, second place RM600 and third place RM400. All prizes were given out by Ras Adiba.
Participant, Nur Zawani Abd Wahab, 34, said she was excited to join the compeititon as it enabled her to test her prowess and strength.
"I became disabled after having a stroke two years ago. Since then I could not walk so this programme is fantastic as it gives me a chance to participate in an activity that is usually open only for those who are not disabled."
Rizal Abd Rashep, 44, became disabled after a road accident 25 years ago.
"I accept what has happened to me as fate but I am making effort to live life as fully and normally as I can.
"Activities such as these give me that opportunity."
Disabled couple, Muhamad Fakhruddin Mohamed Akbar, 30, and his wife, Norhanisah Abdullah, 34, said they always participate in activities organised by OKU Sentral.
"Win or lose is not as important as getting to meet all our friends from around the country."