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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 23: Some 1,200 students of SJK Chung Hua No. 3 got to enjoy the outdoors as they embarked on a refreshing brisk walk and jog through the MBKS Garden Park as part of the school’s 5th Cross Country Walk programme that aims to encourage children to be physically active for a healthy body and mind.
Gracing the occasion, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that getting children out of the confines of the classrooms is an essential part of their learning, development, and growth.
“Encouraging kids to be active when they are young will help establish a routine that could stay with them throughout their life. It also helps them build social and life skills.
“It also allows them to learn to appreciate the natural surrounding and greenery found in our public parks,” he told DayakDaily before flagging off the children for the roughly 2.5km walk today.
Wee further highlighted the vital role of health, stating that healthy children contribute to creating a healthy city, aligning with Sarawak’s aspirations.
“SJK Chung Hua No. 3 has been the council’s neighbour, and we want them to make full use of the public amenities available because this city belongs to everyone, including the parks,” he said, encouraging more schools to develop similar programmes.
Earlier on, Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No. 1-6 Committee of Management chairman Dato Jonathan Chai said this programme is meaningful, particularly in light of the increasing prioritisation of health and well-being in society since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Regardless of age, everyone, especially children, need to take time out to exercise because our health is our asset. It is only with good health, both physically and mentally, we can continue to move forward and walk further in life. Without health, all achievements will be meaningless,” he said.
The event saw active participation from the headmaster Choo Chin Moi and 70 school staff, including teachers, further fostering a sense of unity and collective engagement in promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. — DayakDaily
