Run for national unity proves hugely successful
THE Run for National Unity (RFNU) at Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur was a success, with 1,600 participants from all walks of life. Participants started arriving as early as 5.30am, with many warming up with Fitworx personal trainer, Zarif Mohd Barin.
The RFNU was divided into 13 categories, with distances of 5km, 7km up to a maximum of 10km, with finisher medals and certificates of participation.
Participants were also rewarded for their efforts by the co-organisers of the run, HELP University and Redberry, with a variety of lucky draws.
National Unity and Social Wellbeing Minister P. Waytha Moorthy who flagged off the event, expressed delight with the enthusiasm of the participants and their families.
“This is a good initiative in the spirit of unity, involving all seg- ments of Malaysians,” he said.
The mood at Lake Gardens was upbeat as families mingled with each other, with those in the veteran category taking pride in being part of the RFNU as they grouped together for pictures. Parents could be heard patiently encouraging their children, many of whom were participating for the first time. With 211 secondary school children and 57 primary school participants, the category for school participation was well represented.
HELP University president and vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan said the event had proven its popularity for the third year running with corporate sponsors showing their support for the run.
He said the RFNU was to commemorate Malaysia Day and was celebrated in the spirit of unity and for all people to be joined as one nation on the day.
Participants were also rewarded with cash prizes of RM500, RM300 and RM100 for first, second and third placing respectively in each of the 13 categories.
Dharshini Ganeson, a parent, who had signed up her daughter in the special needs category, felt that it was important for all Malaysians to feel they were part of the same fabric.
“My daughter, who is dyspraxic, enjoyed the many shows and the camaraderie of being part of such a big event.
“The beautiful green T-shirt was another attraction for her,” said Dharshini.
Daniel Lee, a motivational speaker and Paralympic athlete, said he had won third place in the special needs category in the run. He said he was happy to take part as he hoped to represent Malaysia as a paralympian in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.