Malays Walk for a cause

by Ranjan Anandappa

The Colombo Malay C.C. one of the oldest cricket playing clubs in the country is having a long term plan to celebrate their 150 anniversary by a Sports Walk titles 'Walk Towards 150" on September 14.

The 'Walk' is a dual purpose one that will be joined by the Multiple Sclerosis' Project. Multiple Sclerosis is a deadly neurological disease that is incurable. It is a progressive and incurable disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerve fibres and makes the muscles stop working, causing an impairment of many different bodily functions.

Dominic Mayer, a student of the American National College (ANC) and the Head of the Project of the MSAL (Multiple Sclerosis of Lanka) who was suspected for having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was present addressing a press briefing with regard to the 'Walk' which is also held in connection to create awareness of the deadly disease. He said that "Once you become a teenager, your sickness may break out at any time. The beginning stages of the disease is not too bad: may be a few physical impairments and some depression.

But as your illness is progressive, the physical impairments are going to get worse and worse. No matter how many doctors, surgeons or specialists you visit. Even with the best medical treatment on earth, the progress of your sickness can be slowed down, but it cannot be stopped because there is no cure for the illness. The first symptoms and an overwhelming sense of tiredness. But as time passes by the disease starts slowly paralysing both your legs and arms." stressed Meyer."All of a sudden, you have no choice but to use a wheel chair. You cannot write anymore because your hands start becoming numb. In addition to that you lose control over your bladder and bowel functions, and you are faced with memory as well as speech problems. And, of course, throughout the entire progress of your illness, you will be constantly accompanied by mood swings, anxiety and severe depression. In short imagine to live with Multiple Sclerosis." Mayer concluded.

The Colombo Malay CC was founded in 1872 and the Sri Lanka Malay Association was established in 1922 are two of the oldest institutions in the country. The two institutions are jointly hosting the Walk and a Mega Food Festival to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Sri Lanka Malay Association and the 141 year of the Malay Cricket Club.

The 'Walk' will commence at 3.00pm from the Malay CC premises the Padang Complex at Jalan Padang off, Kew Road, Colombo 2 which would trek through Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Dharmapala Mawatha, Town Hall, Union Place and back to the Padang Complex.