In view of the recent achievement by our Paralympians in winning three gold and a bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics, Brazil last month, KDU University College has announced its first scholarship fund for the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) to recognise the hard work and efforts of all para-athletes.

As a start, KDU University College presented the KDU Fitspiration Scholarship Fund, valued at RM500,000 to MPC, at its campus in Utropolis Glenmarie, Thursday.

"We believe KDU would serve as an alternative for youth to study, irrespective whether they are disabled or not, and here as well we have other scholarships for those who are financially challenged.

"So now, we want to extend this kind of opportunity to our Paralympic athletes whether it is in Malaysia or within Asean who are representing their respective countries and actively striving to contribute to their country," said KDU Vice Chancellor Prof Hiew Pang Leang at a press conference.

Honoured Paralympic gold medalist, Mohamad Ridzuan Puzi, who clocked 12.07 seconds in the T36 100 meter sprint (cerebral palsy), made an exclusive appearance at KDU University College yesterday together with seven para-athletes who had also competed in the Rio Paralympics.

Also present were MPC Deputy President Ng Keng Chuan, Vice President Datuk R. Subramaniam, Jason Jonathan Lo and Secretary-General Siti Zaharah Abdul Khalid as well as Rio Paralympic Chef-de-Mission Dr Ang Kean Koo.