Nasam founder Janet Yeo told reporters yesterday that the games would showcase the “remarkable abilities and possibilities in life” that a stroke survivor could look forward to even after a crippling attack.

“The Stroke Games are born out of the belief that sports and games heal the brain,” she said. “It will provide a platform for stroke survivors to overcome challenges and inspire them to compete with one another in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

Yeo emphasised that “appropriate and aggressive rehabilitation is crucial for a recovering stroke victim”.

“Participating in sports or games not only provides physical benefits but also contributes to improving cognition, body awareness and spatial orientation,” she said. “In addition to the therapeutic benefits, playing games provides stress relief, builds team spirit and improves social skills.”

About 800 stroke survivors from across the country will come together for the event. The games will have 34 sporting activities, composed of eight individual and 26 group challenges. They include table tennis, darts, bowling, carrom, an obstacle walk, baton relay and basketball.

Qamer Iqbal Khan, who heads Nasam’s Rehab Training and Development Department, said the activities had been “carefully selected and modified”, taking into consideration factors such as the abilities and stress levels of the participants.

“The degree of modification is based on the severity and impact of the stroke,” he said. “For example, basketball shoots or dart throwing will be played standing or sitting in a chair.

“Whether you are in a wheelchair or walking independently, the experience will definitely be enjoyable. At the same time, it will aid in recovery.”

Yeo, a stroke survivor herself, said the life she was leading today testified to the truth of the statement that “there is life after stroke.”

She led a successful advertising agency before she was struck down at the age of 44. “The stroke reduced me to a helpless individual,” she said. “I was riddled with fear, frustration and anger and I was at times suicidal.

“I wondered if I could ever walk again and used to cry every time I saw someone walking confidently around the hospital.

“But today, I am enjoying every moment. I am grateful for being able to wake up, get out of bed, and see to my needs without any help.”

She said the Stroke Games would be a way of demonstrating the joy of being independent and letting the spirit of fulfilment show. “It is pivotal to taking Nasam and our strike survivors to a new high. It’ll be a reminder to the survivors and their families that they should never give up.”

Nasam is seeking contributions from organisations and individuals to help with the organisation of the games. The sponsorship can be in cash or other forms, such as hotel accommodation for stroke survivors and their caregivers, transportation and items like T-shirts and trophies.

The names of sponsors will be featured on promotional materials and also on Nasam’s official website. Those who are interested can donate through the website ( http://www.nasam.org/english/about-donate.php ). They can also contact Nancy Yap at [email protected]