Vinashal Pillai
HIS father threw him into the river when he was eight years old. He was born with disabilities in his right hand and in both his legs,
It was not to end his life but to prepare him for adversities when he grew up.
Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah vividly recalled that day. "When I was young, I used to accompany my father to the paddy fields in Miri. And one day, on the way home he said to me, 'You will thank me for this' and literally flung me into the river."
"My father was teaching me how to swim," he said.
Today, the 37-year-old father of four is a "professional" athlete though he is unable to secure a permanent job due to his disability.
The Sarawakian had competed in several meets, including the 2002 Asean Para Games in South Korea, the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, and 2008 in Beijing.
| Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah takes a breather during training at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil. — Pic: MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN |
A certified swimming instructor, he used to teach children during a short working stint in a factory in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
Ranked World No 5 in the 50 metres backstroke, Zul trains daily at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil and goes back to his rented flat in Paroi, Seremban, to see his wife and children every weekend.
The Asean Para Games silver medallist is the sole bread winner in the family as his wife is unable to work due to back pain. He takes home RM700 a month which includes allowances from NSC and RM200 from the welfare department.
"I make do with what I have, It's not much but I'm thankful to NSC and the Malaysian Paralympic Council for supporting me all these years," he said.
Zul, who will compete in the Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from Saturday, said: "I will eventually retire one day. It's a scary thought but my main focus right now is the Asean Para Games.
"My main event is the 50m backstroke. In Korea, I managed only a silver out of three events (50m, 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle).
" My target is three gold medals and I'm not intimidated by the competition," said Zul with a smile.
Zul is one of the many Malaysian disabled athletes who defy the odds to shine in their sports because of their determination.
The National Athletes Charity Foundation's (Yakeb) 1Ringgit 1Malaysia campaign was launched in June to help former athletes and current athletes. It offers two coverage plans -- for former athletes below the age of 69 and for those above 70.
Donations and sponsorship should be channeled to Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan -- Tabung Yakeb, Maybank account No: 564847005696, or SMS YAKEB1 to donate RM1, YAKEB2 for RM2, YAKEB5 for RM5 and YAKEB10 for RM10 and send to 33898. Each SMS costs 50 sen.
For enquiries, contact, 03-89964841/4844 or visit www.yakeb.org.my.
n Watch BersamaMu-Wira Sukan, Anda Tetap Di Hati on TV3 at 9.30pm tonight.
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