Chong Wei raising funds for victims of earthquake

Posted by Lucas Liau Top News 4:02 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei is not just the most successful men’s singles badminton player the country has produced but he also has a heart of gold.
The two-time All-England champion was so moved by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that laid waste to Japan’s north-eastern coast on March 11 that he is raising funds to help the victims with a charity event.
The event, aptly titled ‘Hope and Smile’, will be held on April 2 at Penang International Sport Arena and on April 3 at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here.

Chong Wei will donate the black and yellow shirts he wore during his victorious showdown against China’s Lin Dan at the All-England final two weeks ago together with his shoes and racquets for public auction.
Chong Wei is also planning to get former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia to come and play a friendly match during the charity fundraiser.
Chong Wei, who became the first Malaysian to lift back-to-back All-England titles since Eddy Choong’s efforts in 1956-57, is targeting to raise RM1mil through the charity event and the donation will be given to the Red Cross in a cheque presentation later.
“I was still sleeping in my hotel room in Birmingham when the earthquake and tsunami struck,” he said.
“I only knew about it after I switched on the television. I wanted to do something about it after the All-England and discussed it with my consultant.
“There is time now as I’ve just returned from the China league and at the moment, I do not have any tournament.
“The disaster has been in the news for two weeks and it’s terrible. I hope everyone will support this fundraiser.
“I have asked my good friend Taufik to come but he has yet to come back to me as he also has a charity function at that time. If he can’t make it, I may ask Hafiz Hashim to help.”
Local artistes will also perform and the organisers will also waive the fees for those interested to set up stalls during the fund-raising carnival.
The public wishing to volunteer can also contact David Koh at (016-7643305) and Kate Ng (016-2085262).