Bangkok, March 25, 2015
– Big C Supercenter has partnered with Low Vision Association
(Thailand), under the Ratchasuda Foundation, and Ministry of Social
Development and Human Security to organize a press conference on the 2nd edition
of ‘The Ratchasuda Foundation—Big C Mini Marathon,’ which will be held
to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the
occasion of her 60th Birthday Anniversary and raise fund for the Low
Vision Association (Thailand) to help people with low vision. The mini
marathon will be held on May 17, 2015.
Ms. Suthida Chuthamas, Expert of Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,(fifth from left) said, “There are two main categories of vision disability: blindness and low vision. For people with low vision, though the physical appearance of their eyes is virtually normal, different kinds of vision problems may occur. Symptoms can include blurred, hazy or cloudy vision, dark spots or wavy lines in the center of the eyes causing vision problems or loss of an ability of the eyes to see the depth or height when processing a 3D image. Low vision can be found in people at any age. Some were born with low vision, probably caused by German measles, preterm birth or some genetic conditions for instance. In adults, the leading causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, genetic conditions and injuries. The number of people suffering from low vision in Thailand is increasing annually. Unfortunately, Thailand is lacking a proper policy to tackle this problem. This year’s mini marathon is therefore a big step towards building a collaborative network between public and private sectors to create greater awareness and combine effort to help people with low vision in Thailand, so that they are given more opportunities in terms of care and proper treatment.”
According to Ms.Araya Pramojanee, President of
the Low Vision Association (Thailand), the outer appearance of people
with low vision is not different from others. As a result of this, their
disability is hardly identified. Also, there is no government agency
directly responsible for these people, leading them to difficulties
living their daily life without care or convenience that really fits
their needs. She also said, “Low vision in early ages, especially from
newborn to 6 years old, can be treated if the child’s vision development
is properly stimulated. Although not being developed into a normal
level, their vision can be effectively improved and permanent vision
loss can be minimized. Similarly, low vision in adult cases can be
treated by using specialized glasses or other optical devices. Although
not being brought back to normal, a certain level of vision can be
maintained as long as possible. This means a better quality of life of
people with low vision.”
“The
main objective for which we have partnered with Big C to organize the
second edition of this mini marathon is to campaign for better public
understanding of low vision, to generate greater public awareness of
vision health in accordance with the World Health Organization’s policy
on the worldwide prevention of blindness, and to encourage people to
take care of their health by doing regular exercise.”
Ms. Warunee Kitjaroenpoonsin, Director
of Corporate Affairs of Big C Supercenter PCL (fourth from left)said, “Part of our
corporate mission is to be more than a retailer. We always integrate
social contributions and community wellbeing into our operations,
especially by helping the underprivileged and people with disabilities
in any way that makes their life better. This year’s ‘The Ratchasuda
Foundation—Big C Mini Marathon,’ which is intended to honor Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 60th
Birthday Anniversary, continues the same path as the last edition and
aims to raise fund to
benefit activities and projects designed to help people with low
vision. All proceeds after costs from this event will be presented to Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, chairperson of the
Ratchasuda Foundation, to benefit the Low Vision Association.”
Despite
being financially supported by some public agencies and organizations
as well as many passionate donors, the Association is loaded with costs
and expenses, especially those allocated to support an increasing
numbers of its members. Two key projects are expected to be completed by
the end of 2015. These include the development of Joy Center, intended
to provide initial aid to children aged 0-6 years with low vision. Once
completed, it will become a center for the development and stimulation
of vision in visually disabled children so that their eyesight can be
maintained. Moreover, blindness in children can be minimized. The other
is the Low Vision Service Center which is a one-stop service center for
people with low vision. It provides consultations along with call center
for people with low vision, demonstration unit featuring many types of
assistive devices and technologies available to help people with low
vision, computer and information technology unit and a library for
people with low vision.
Highlighted activities of this year’s ‘The Ratchasuda Foundation—Big C Mini Marathon’ are a 10k marathon taking place on Rama 4 Road
for the first time, a 3k walk for good health and a 1.07k (999 steps)
fun walk in which 60 pairs of people with low vision and normal vision
join to raise fund for the Foundation (999 baht donated by Big C per
pair).
The first man and woman winning the mini marathon will be awarded with trophies from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The 1st – 5th
winners from each age group of the mini marathon will also be awarded
trophies. Each of the participants from both run and walk categories who
cross the finishing line will receive a medal engraved with symbol of
the Foundation.
Actress and model Pancake - Khemanit Jamikorn
said to invite interested people to join the event, “Apart from doing
exercise and participating in fun activities with family and friends, it
will be a great chance to support a good cause, especially to assist in
setting up the Joy Center to provide initial aid to children with
vision disability. Come join this event and share the joy of giving
help.”
