The clouds dispersed unveiling the radiant celestial orb which casted its scorching rays unto the terrains below while wistful eyes of the participants from Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat, Klang, brightened as they were greeted by an afternoon of amazing discovery and exuberant adventure in the Dinosaur Park at the National Science Centre of Mont Kiara. The eventful trip organized by the Lions Club of Petaling Jaya commenced from its onset just several meters outside the Aquarium where the Lions of Petaling Jaya, and the trio from the Leo Club of SMK Damansara Jaya namely Leo Solomon, Leo Hsiu Fen and Leo Ke Hui engaged the orderly participants in a simple and delightful ice breaking session as vivid photos of the interactive affair were actively taken. The caretakers cum drivers discussed some details with the organizers prior to the trip into the centre.
While the Lion Christopher Yee engaged in the purchase of tickets and ensuring that each attendee was accounted for, the ebullient participants reveled in the enchanting aqueous interior designs fumed with explosive anticipation of venturing through the threshold of marine delight into the concrete caves of Mesozic wonders.
Once the ticketing affair was settled, fellow participants plunged through the marine underworld feasting their eyes on a cornucopia of majestic aquatic beings, up the swirling path around an atrium of scientific marvel experienced through various empirical means, through the gates encrusted with an array of prehistorical oral blades and into the Jurassic realm with prosthetic prehistorical creatures galore which are programmed to twitch a limb or two thus conjuring an atmosphere of Mesozoic frights enhanced with intermittent sound effects.
The tour was impeccably spearheaded by a savvy tour guide presumably a scientist by profession as his charisma and perspicacity exuded in that area humbled us all. The participants beamed at the astonishingly realistic features of the dinosaur models of various species. At every station, we Leos also passionately shared our knowledge and observation of the astounding species with the participants as we progressed smoothly.
Pictures were taken amidst the crowd as the participants made attentive observations of every tangible entity the park has to offer. As the tour ended, the participants were rounded up and lead through the exit out to the corridor for another blissful photo taking session.
Subsequently, all participants exited the building and redeemed petite packets of snacks sponsored by the Lions Club of Petaling Jaya. We could spot a multitude of incandescent smiles carved effortlessly on the faces of every participant from the society during the final photo taking session which too indicated the end of the unforgettable trip.
It was truly a remarkable experience for the participants, the Leos of SMK Damansara Jaya and the Lions present as we have fostered not only friendship with the physically and mentally challenged participants but we Leos also learned valuable lessons from this group of strong, disciplined and determined physical and emotional warriors, surviving well to battle negativity inflicted on them of any cause while conquering all adversities with dignity and optimism.
That to us was more than inspiring, it's admirable and every bit worth investing our time in because those emotions can only be evoked when one bonds closely with these unique and guileless people with compassion and sympathetic joy. This project has motivated us to increase our involvement and organization of social services projects like that of today's and serve the less fortunate selflessly and unconditionally without a word of complain or condemn. The trip officially ended at 4.15pm as the Leos and Lions bid the participants farewell as the van they traveled in departed for 'home'.
More photos of the event
Photos by:
Leo Khoo Hsiu Fen
