ALOR STAR: It was a double joy for a group of disabled fans who were granted free access to the stadium after Kedah Darul Aman Football Club (KDA FC) defeated Terengganu Football Club (TFC) on home ground last night.
Wheelchair bound Johari Salleh, 37, expressed his gratitude to the club management for providing the best seats at Stadium Darul Aman for the disabled persons.
To put the icing to the electrifying experience, the fans were over the moon after KDA FC forward Mohd Fadzrul Daniel Nizam converted a close-ranged chance at the 90th minute of the game to seal a 1-0 victory against TFC.
"On behalf of all KDA FC fans with disabilities, I wish to express our utmost gratitude to the management of the club for giving all disabled fans special access to watch matches for free this season.
"I'm just very thankful for club owner Tan Sri Dr Mohd Daud Bakar. I look forward to continuing cheering for the club throughout this season.
"What an exciting way to start the season, Pulun Kedah Pulun!" said an ecstatic Johari, who is also part of the state's para tenpin bowling team.
He also praised the club's efforts to ensure Darul Aman Stadium's infrastructure was disabled-friendly, adding that more institutions should emulate the same effort.
"Alhamdulillah, the stadium infrastructure has improved, the seats offered to us are comfortable and with the best view point.
Another disabled fan, Abdul Malik Said, 40, thanked KDA FC for the initiative.
However, he hoped that the management would consider moving disabled-friendly parking spaces closer to the stadium's entrance to improve accessibility.
"I could not really ask for much more, a win on the first day and I'm really glad the club has paid attention to our condition.
"Moving forward, I wish that the management will consider moving the parking for disabled persons a bit closer to the stadium entrance and opening up a special lane for us so that we don't delay the other fans getting into the stadium," he said.
The season-long free access for disabled fans is part of the KDA FC inclusivity initiative and recognises the support of fans from all walks of life towards the club and players.