Selangor Journal

THE SECOND STROKE GAMES SET TO RE-IGNITE LIVES AND RECOVERY

PETALING JAYA – The National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) launched the Stroke Games 2019, a one-of-its-kind sporting event to showcase the amazing recovery and courage of stroke survivors.

The second instalment of this Games was officiated by YB Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development on January 15.

“NASAM is proud to launch such an uplifting event, not just for stroke survivors but also for their families, loved ones and the community in general,” Janet Yeo, Founder and Chairman of NASAM said at the launch. “It takes a great amount of mental strength, tenacity and courage to want to live and return to society after a brain attack. And to be able to participate in a major sporting event like the Stroke Games after a stroke is like achieving the almost impossible.

“NASAM believes in making dreams possible, uplifting the spirits of stroke survivors and giving families a chance to see their loved ones rise again. The Games is a vital step in building the broken spirit of stroke survivors. It harnesses the power of sports to inspire recovery, supports rehab and generates a wider understanding and respect for those recovering from a stroke. Ultimately it celebrates the achievements of recovery and the ability of the human spirit to
believe and start living again.”

NASAM initiated the Games in March 2017 and it brought together some 500 stroke survivors from its nine clubs all over Malaysia to participate under one roof. This world first saw stroke survivors setting aside limitations and with amazing grit and persistence competing in the true spirit of sportsmanship. It changed many lives and proved to be an incredible catalyst for stroke recovery. It was such a huge success that NASAM decided to host the games bi-yearly. This year, the Stroke Games will be held on 19th & 20th October at the National Panasonic Sports Complex in Shah Alam.

“Stroke destroys confidence and greatly affects the psychological and emotional state of survivors. While the effects of post stroke are usually associated with physical disabilities, the damage goes far beyond the surface,” shared Yeo. “Imagine losing functional abilities on one side of your body and speech as well. Waking up to realise you are suddenly reduced to a semi-human being can break your spirit and weaken the soul.

Yeo believes the Stroke Games takes away the thoughts of disability and brings out the passion that comes with competitiveness and motivation to win. It can instill lost confidence and pride, draw out the passion for life and renew faith and hope to achieve the impossible.

“Once confidence and pride are restored, stroke survivors will be able to handle emotional issues better and will want to start living again and appreciate a second chance. When they regain the passion to live again, they work hard to achieve goals, forget limitations and are driven to be winners.”

NASAM believes ‘There is Life After Stroke’. It looks deep into this aspect of post stroke trauma by reassuring the stroke survivor that the human spirit is still intact despite the damage brought on by a stroke. As sports and games are crucial to healing the brain, NASAM has created a fun way to rehabilitate and reinstate positive qualities with the birth of Stroke Games.

The emphasis for the Stroke Games is on boosting physical and mental health through a range of sporting activities modified to suit the abilities of the stroke survivor. It is also to change the perception of the public by showing them that stroke survivors are highly motivated and inspired individuals who are able to compete in sports.

NASAM is striving to host the Games on a regular basis taking into consideration financial constraints and resources. To successfully hold a bigger and better event this year, it is appealing for support from corporate players, organisations and the community. The 2019 Stroke Games is expected to cost nearly RM500,000. To donate, sponsor or for more details
on the Stroke Games please call 603 7956 1876 or email to [email protected]. All donations are tax exempt.

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