He cycled – and cycled again just to keep healthy

KUCHING: Salleh Abdullah, 57, cycled 10km from his home just to take part in the Hari Sukan Negara events held at the Padang Merdeka. Clad in a shirt featuring the Jalur Gemilang and using his trusty old bicycle, Salleh left his house at Kampung Gita at around 5am.

He joined thousands of Kuchingites in a 10km fun ride event that started at 7.30am. He even managed to finish the route ahead of many others, despite his earlier 10om ride.

There was also a 30km fun ride and a 5km fun run.

Salleh said he always tried to take part in as many cycling events as possible.

“I’m on medication for high blood pressure and cycling helps me to keep healthy. I tried jogging but I find it quite demanding on my body,” he said when met after the event.

Another person who had to travel far was 35-year-old Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) officer Oliver Jenai.

Jenai, from Kampung Suba, Bau, some 40km from the city, left his house on a motorcycle at 4.30am to join the 5km fun run which started at 6.30am.

Due to his busy work schedule, Oliver seldom has time to exercise. He used the event to kick-start his exercise regime.

“I jogged a couple of time this year but I admit it was not enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“After today’s run, I feel good. Hopefully, I can carry this momentum to start running or frequent the gym,” he said.

Achuta Rajamanikeon, 48, joined Hari Sukan Negara to bond with his son Khisna. An avid runner, Achuta decided to take part in the 30km fun ride to accompany his 12-year-old son. “I seldom cycle because I love to jog,” he said.

The state’s Youth and Sports Assistant Minister, Datuk Karim Rahman Hamzah, when officiating at the event, said 16,000 people had taken part in the city with some 600,000 Sarawakians to participate over three days.