By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 2: Join the ‘Sarawak Sports Challenge Virtual Run’ and continue with your running habits despite being forced to stay at home during this pandemic, says Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Through the ministry’s collaboration with Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and City Jogger’s Club, he said the virtual run challenge which was organised in conjunction with ‘Bulan Inovasi’ is an initiative to pursue home-training practices with the use of digital technology.
A one-month running period will begin from Sept 6 to Oct 5 where participants are required to record their exercise footprints either using GPS in mobile applications, treadmills or other relevant devices.
“The organiser accepts the submission of indoor and outdoor activities including the use of treadmill, walking, running and also accumulated steps and distance.
“One step is equivalent to 0.762 meters while 1,000 steps equal to 762 meters,” he said in a recorded video during the launching ceremony of the virtual run at Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Petra Jaya here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, said the virtual run challenge is open to three categories with different distances to be completed, and every participant who finishes the targeted distance will be awarded medals.
Those who can complete the 200km challenge will be receiving gold medals, 100km silver medals, and 10km bronze medals.
Registration for the virtual run through the JomRun app is only free for the first 3,500 early birds, and the organiser has so far gathered 2,000 participants.
Meanwhile, SSC chief executive officer (CEO) cum Sarawak Sports Council director Dr Ong Kong Swee said programmes as such need to be held to promote exercise.
“This is important as to encourage body movements whereby physical, mental, emotional and social health can be improved, especially during this pandemic when immunity is so important.
“While doing the virtual run, all participants are of course reminded to always comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Registrations are almost full, so please take the opportunity to register yourself before the closing date on Sept 5,” he said.
Also present for the event were Youth and Sports Sarawak director Lamat Nyalau and City Jogger’s Club advisor Wendel Chan Book Teck. — DayakDaily
