Asia Pacific Master Games Torch Run 2018 reaches S’wak

MIRI: About 100 participants took part in the Asia Pacific Master Games (APMG) Torch Run 2018 - Miri edition starting from The Grand Old Lady on Thursday evening, through major routes in Miri City before finishing at Marina Central Park.

The torch run which kicked off from the tip of Borneo in Kudat, Sabah last April 28 has reached Sarawak, to promote the first APMG in Penang.

“The first APMG to be held in Penang this September is the first masters multi- sporting event in Asia. Featuring 21 sports, athletes will participate in their own age group and category - in competitive, recreational or social interest,” said Miri Mayor Adam Yii when officiating at the run.

He added that APMG is virtually a festival to foster friendship, goodwill and promote the growth of master sports especially in Asian region.

“The torch runners were in Mulu yesterday and now they have reached this historical location - Miri City where in 1910, Malaysia’s first oil well was drilled on the hilltop of Bukit Telaga Minyak, formerly known as the Canadian Hill. This location is now fondly known as The Grand Old Lady,” he said.

He added that as mayor of Miri City, he is grateful to the organiser for choosing The Grand Old Lady as the starting point for this section of the torch run that leads to the inaugural APMG in Penang from Sept 7 to 15.

Yii also congratulated Yew and his team for hosting the first APMG and said that Miri City Council (MCC) as a member of the Malaysian Association of Local Authorities ( Mala) will support APMG by organising events locally.

Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai was on hand to receive the torch from Mulu runners before passing it to runners in Miri.

Present to witness the flag- off was the organising chairperson for APMG 2018 Torch Run and Penang City Council Community Services director Rashidah Jalaludin, representing Penang Mayor Ir. Yew Tung Seang.

Also present were deputy Miri mayor Julaihi Mohamad, MCC secretary Morshidi Frederick and Miri Deputy Resident Nyurak Keti.

Yii (holding torch) poses for a group photo with participants before the run.

Yii (fourth left) receives the torch from Edward as (from left) Morshidi, Rashidah, Julaihi and others look on.