KL2017 torch run starts May 14
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2017 SEA Games and Asean Para Games torch run will start on May 14 this year.
According to officials, the run will cover a distance of 665.43 kilometres, passing through all states including all Federal Territories in the country as organisers aim to promote the games to members of the public and the masses to uplift the spirit of the people come August this year when the games will be held in Kuala Lumpur.
Minister of Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin on the other hand hopes that the KL2017 torch run will raise the spirit of the nation, as the country competes in the games as host this year and also give some space for Malaysians to express their support for the country.
“In conjunction with this torch run, there will be many unique and interesting activities planned. It will start from Johor on May 14 as soon as the Bangkit Bersama Baton Run ends in Singapore,” he added during a press conference held during the KL2017 torch run at the Menara KBS, Putrajaya recently.
Organisers a lso a im for participation from everyone in all states for the run including students, NGOs, government agencies and private companies.
Apart from that, Khairy also commented that in each selected district in the country where the torch run passes through will see 29 main runners and nine disable runners participating.
“To make this significant run interesting, it will start and end at an iconic and special place and organisers of the run will perform all sorts of gimmick during the run. For example, the torch will be carried via a paraglider at Bukit Jugra, carried by swimmers from Jerejak island, brought to Mulu National Park and so on,” he said.
At the same time, he also would like to invite all Malaysians to join the run and even though not everyone gets to hold the torch, everyone is encouraged to escort and give words of encouragement and support the torch bearer who will be chosen from among former athletes, local leaders or community personalities.
In East Malaysia, the run will start at Labuan on Jun 3 and ends in Sarawak on Jun 13.
For those who are interested in participating in the KL2017 torch run, they can register at a website with the address www. kualalumpur2017.com.my and no fee will be imposed on those who wish to participate in the run.
Before participating in the run there are however a few criteria and rules which one need to follow such as one must be 12 years- old and above, physiologically and psychologically fit, can do a nonstop relaxed run for a distance of two kilometres and one kilometre for those who are disable or wheelchair bound.