Unicef BIM gives back to Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Fourteen Sabah-based charitable societies and groups received RM15,000 each from the organizers of this year’s Unicef Borneo International Marathon.
They are Sabah Athletics Association, Befrienders, Seri Mengasih Centre, Special Olympics Sabah, Sabah Chesire Home and Services, Sabah Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Pink Ribbon, Pemadam Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Thalassaemia Society, Haemophilia Society of Malaysia (Sabah), International English Learning Centre, Tabung Pembinaan SM St Francis Convent, Asrama Harapan Baru Pitas, and Persatuan Sukan & Rekreasi Orang Kurang Upaya Negeri Sabah.
The cheques totalling RM210,000 were presented to the representatives of the organisations by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman at the Ministry of Finance office on Thursday.
“State government is pleased that Borneo International Marathon has the attention of a United Nations organisation such as Unicef as a partner for a very noble cause. To the organisers and all involved, keep it up,” said Musa.
He hoped the donations would assist the charities in their dayto-day operations including repairs and improvements to their facilities.
“Aside from contributing to this noble cause, the Borneo International Marathon, which has attracted participants from all over the world, encourages a healthy lifestyle and community spirit,” Musa added.
When receiving the cheque, Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, who is also chairman of Pemadam, said the city would be more well-known with an event of a big scale especially held for charitable purposes.
This year, a total of 10,000 runners from 50 countries and 500 disabled children participated in the 10th anniversary event.
Registration will open soon for Borneo Marathon 2018 and the event will be held on 6 May next year.