XN000022-1973-01-11 — Page 6

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Thursday, January 11, 1973

WALK FOR A MILLION

Disabled Trainees From SWD Centres Taking Part

About 50 disabled trainees at rehabilitation centres run by the

Social Welfare Department have spontaneously offered to take part in the

"Walk for a Million" in aid of the Community Chest on Sunday (January 14).

"It is a very courageous gesture, and displays a true community

spirit," comments Mr. T.P. Khoo, Senior Principal Social Welfare Officer

and head of the Rehabilitation Division.

The group will begin the walk from Austin Park on the Peak, ending

it at the Army Sports Ground in Soo Kun Poo, with the exercise starting at

9 a... Rehabilitation officers, including a nurse, will accompany the

walkers along the nine-mile route to see that all is well.

The trainees are aged between 14 and 21, and both sexes are represented

in the group.

The disabilities include weakened limbs as a result of poliomyelitis,

epilepsy, post-polio paralysis, and mental retardation. Three are wheelchair

cases.

Mr. Khoo says he is particularly impressed by the fact that the

decision to join the walk has come from the trainees themselves.

"Indeed, my officers were extremely gratified at such a reaction, and

they are now looking for appropriate sponsors," he comments. He believes the

trainees deserve to be encouraged.

In his view, their walk "will not only help the Community Chest, but

will also give them confidence in their ability to participate in civic events

alongside the able-bodied."

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