The third edition of the ‘I Love Penang Run – Seberang Perai 2019’ at Bagan Luar in Butterworth was a great success as it drew about 6,000 participants from far and near.
State Sports and Youth Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said he believed the event would help ingrain a healthy living habit amongst Penangites and also make sports accessible to all, regardless of age or background.
“This is part our dedication in ensuring that Penang stands out as a global example of World City,” Soon said in his speech before flagging off the run with other dignitaries today.
“Sports is an essential component in family-building, which is one of the primary themes of the Penang2030 vision.
“The state government is aware that the family is central to our daily lives. Through the event, there is a common and binding element for all participants to share with their families, friends and loved ones.
“This will bring us a step closer to the realisation of a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation as envisaged in the state government’s Penang2030 vision.”
Soon said the event was held to instil a love for the state among the participants.
He said although they might differ in certain ways and cultures, they are all bound together through their common love for sports.
“It is precisely when it concerns our sports interests that we discover we are not so different after all. This makes us Penangites and we are proud of it!
“‘I Love Penang Run – Seberang Perai 2019’ is not merely a run. It will in fact, put the fascinating streets of Bagan Luar, Butterworth under the limelight for all of us to discover and appreciate the unique charm and mesmerising beauty of the other side of Penang.”
Soon added that under the ‘Sports for All’ programme initiated by the state government, they were committed to organising a different sports event each month to promote it or to draw more public interest towards it.
He said besides keeping themselves fit, he would like to encourage all to partake in diverse kinds of sports programmes for a more active lifestyle.
Soon also welcomed the participation of youths in sports, so that talents could be unearthed.
“We are dedicated to moulding young sportsmen and sportswomen as well as to unleash their potential,” he said.
Among those present at the run were Seberang Perai City Council mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud and several assemblymen.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Mohamad
