5,000 apply to take part in SEA Games Torch Run

REMBAU: Some 5,000 people have applied to take part in the nationwide Torch Run to be held in conjunction with the 29th SEA Games in Malaysia.

Describing this as overwhelming, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said however that only 3,400 runners would be selected for the event.

“We are happy with the response. We hope that this edition of the Games will be the best ever,” he told reporters after launching the KL2017@Schools programme at SK Chembong here yesterday.

The programme, which is being held at 33 schools around the country, is aimed at creating awareness among the public, particularly students, on the coming SEA Games to be held from Aug 19 to 30 and the Asean Para Games.

Taking turns to carry the torch for 200m within a 5km distance, the bearers will be chosen from among national athletes, public figures, local leaders and the public.

The run will also highlight the unique places of each state it passes through.

The Torch Run will start from Johor on May 14 after the torch, which is being carried through the other South-East Asian countries in the “Rising Together” Baton Run, ends in Singapore the day before.

In his speech earlier, Khairy said he hoped that Malaysia would emerge as the overall champion of the Games.

“It is also my hope that Malaysians will turn up in full force at stadiums and other venues to support our teams during the Games,” he said.

Khairy also called on the public to sign up as volunteers.

“We need about 13,000 volunteers to help out. We encourage students who are above 16, teachers and parents to take up this challenge and help us make this Games the best ever,” said Khairy.

Besides promoting the Games, the objective of the KL2017@ Schools is to promote love for the environment.

“KL2017 will also be the first Green Games as we will, among others, encourage people to get into the habit of recycling, reducing waste and being prudent in the consumption of water and electricity,” said Khairy.

He hoped that KL2017@School would also inspire more young people to excel in sports.

Going green: Khairy (in sunglasses) looking at the degradable and disposable food containers and cups at the launch of KL2017@ Schools at SK Chembong in Rembau, Negri Sembilan.