KFC Malaysia and the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has formed a partnership for the upcoming Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) 2013, scheduled here next month.
KFC Malaysia will be the Sport Partner for AYPG Malaysia 2013, taking up Badminton under the AYPG Malaysia 2013 “ADOPT-A-SPORT” programme, aimed at involving companies and sponsors in the promotion of para sports and the Games.
Badminton is among 14 sports to be contested in AYPG Malaysia 2013. The other sports listed are Athletics, Archery, Boccia, Swimming, Table Tennis, Chess, Powerlifting, Goalball, Tenpin Bowling, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Judo, Volleyball-Sitting.
A press conference to mark the partnership between KFC and PCM here was attended by Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) Patron, Tun Jeanne Abdullah.
Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid, Managing Director of QSR Brands (M) Sdn Bhd, operator of KFC Malaysia, handed over the cash sponsorship of RM132,940 to Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) for the organisation of the Games.
Zaki, in his speech, said KFC’s involvement in AYPG 2013 is proof of its commitment towards the development of Paralympic athletes in the country.
“It reflects our commitment towards uplifting the standard of our para athletes, or for that matter, persons with a disability in the country. It goes in tandem with our policy of helping out the disabled people and community in realizing their dreams and lead a meaningful life,” said Zaki.
PCM President Dato’ Zainal Abu Zarin, who is also the Chairman of the AYPG Malaysia 2013 Organising Committee, in his speech commended KFC Malaysia’s effort in adopting Badminton for the AYPG Malaysia 2013.
“KFC’s participation as partner of the Games sets a good example of how a corporate entity and an NGO can work closely for a common cause, in this context, towards the development of persons with a disability,” said Dato’ Zainal.
Under the Games’ ADOPT-A-SPORT programme, companies and sponsors are given the choice to adopt any of the 14 sports listed for the Games.
“We hope to continue this programme even after the Games… to create a better understanding of para sports, its needs and requirements amongst corporate citizens,” said Dato’ Zainal.
AYPG Malaysia 2013, scheduled from 26th to 30th October, is expected to see the participation of more than 2,000 athletes from 41 Asian nations, under the umbrella of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).
AYPG Malaysia 2013, carrying the theme “Where Passion Grows, Dreams Fulfilled, Friendships Strengthened”, has already set a new benchmark as 14 sports will be contested this time around, as compared to only 5 sports in the last Games in Tokyo in 2009.
AYPG Malaysia 2013 will be held in Kuala Lumpur with the participation of more than 2,000 athletes from 41 Asian nations. The first edition of the Games was held in Hong Kong in 2003, followed by Tokyo Japan in 2009.
Among the notable countries expected to send strong contingents for the Games include world powerhouse China, Japan, Korea, Iran. Hosts Malaysia will be banking their hopes on several sports including athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball and archery.
The Organiser has also developed collaboration and partnership with several notable organisations which include the Kuala Lumpur-based Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to boost the promotion of the Games.
