Steven Leong’s Blog

Main KL09 5th ASEAN Paragames Page

It was a simple and as usual, hot and wet afternoon in Kuala Lumpur. A couple of days ago, I had approached the Malaysian Paralympic Council to see if I can take a couple of shots for my portfolio at any paralympic type event. To my surprise, MPM have agreed to meet me immediately.

On that afternoon, armed with my usual meeting attire (yes, long-sleeved shirt, slacks, nice shoe, etc). The address was cryptic, some DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur OR Kuala Lumpur City Hall for those who do not understand Malay) sports complex.

I was half-expecting a decent looking or even good looking modern office building (like most government departments) for the events department for the Malaysian Paralympic Council but instead I was greeted with an ageing, paint-peeling huge DBKL sports complex at Desa Selatan (I think).

The events department office for the MPM was nothing grand, a simple drab-looking wooden door with a small KL09 poster on the door led into the office.

Behind the door, the department stored various equipment, from banners to buntings to the occasional wheel-chair, table and chair. The office itself is up the stairs with simple (yes, not new) low cubicles with old tables and chairs in them, everyone seemed quite surprised to see me.

After all, it is not a usual sight to see a well-dressed Chinese professional photographer walking into such the place.

Yes, they needed help… and probably lots of it.

They had no funds to get proper photography for all their activities and the biggest event to date is about to come, KL’09 5th ASEAN Para Games with 11 sporting events across 11 venues and 11 participating countries; 1,200 athletes and NO photographer.

I guess I met them at just the right time and when I told them I would cover the entire event for them for free; all they could say was “thank you”.

Alas, one thing led to another… and now, the crunch time approaches.

I really hope my team of 10 photographers will not disappoint them, this is no small event; it is bad to disappoint anyone BUT it is a sin to disappoint the needy.

Main KL09 5th ASEAN Paragames Page