The third edition of the Occupy Beach Street (OBS) Chinese New Year Run was held this morning after a two-year-long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 2,500 participants took part in the 5km fun run along Beach Street today.
It was held to mark the Chinese New Year celebration which is on Jan 22.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the chief guest at the event, joined the flagging-off ceremony in front of OCBC Bank at 7am alongside state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee.
Chow said he is pleased to see the OBS Chinese New Year Run making a triumphant return after a two-year break.
“I want to convey my congratulations to the organiser, TLM Event, for having successfully gathered 2,500 participants for this event.
“It is inspiring to see so many people here today, and I am delighted to feel the passion the participants have for a sporting and active lifestyle.
“This is already the fourth sporting event over the weekend since we stepped into 2023.
“And I am pleased to see all of you this morning, showing up bright and early to display your love for Penang.
“There is a famous African proverb which says, ‘If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.’
“On that note, let us all run together and be the embodiment of what this occasion is all about, which is making time to be with our families, friends, and communities; to acknowledge and celebrate our differences; and to be united for the love of our state, Penang,” Chow said in his speech before joining the flagging-off ceremony.
Also present at the flag-off were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and TLM Event managing director Jack Wong.
According to Chow, Penang is the perfect example of diversity functioning well.
“It is a state where we are united in our differences and we value social harmony.
“Everywhere you go in Penang, you can see diverse places of worship, where mosques, temples, and churches are close to one another.
“To me, the proximity of these different places of worship is a testament to how close we are to one another, regardless of cultural diversity,” he said adding that Penang is also a state that celebrates cultural celebrations all year round.
After the run, the participants were entertained by Chinese New Year-themed performances such as the lion dance. There was a lucky draw session as well.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting