THE Universal Peace Federation (UPF) has teamed up with Asia Pacific University-Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) and Persatuan Kebajikan Asas Pulau Pinang (PKAPP) to hold the ‘Peace Road Charity Run Penang 2019’ next month.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said unity is a core element for peace to prevail and for any country to progress, peace is vital.
“We live in a multiracial setting, so it is important for us to respect each other’s diversity for us to live in harmony,” Soon told a press conference today.
“Sometimes, when you promote peace through seminars or talks, people might not be interested in taking part. So, that is why we are using sports as a medium to create awareness for peace.”
According to Nick Ng Shu Lin, who is the adviser for the event, the collected fund would be partially channelled to a few non-profitable organisation (NGOs), namely ‘Ajar-ajar’ (an underprivileged student education aid programme), The Spastics Children’s Association of Penang, and Persatuan Sahabat Kanak- kanak Wilayah Utara.
The 7km and 3km fun run will begin at USM Minden field at 7am and end at the same venue.
It is open to all ages with a registration fee of RM30 for children (7-12 years old), RM40 for adults and free for children who are six years old and below.
“We have targeted 5,000 participants and so far we have 3,000 people registered for the run. We expect more to join us as the deadline is on Oct 6.
“Four hundred children from charitable homes, such as the The Penang Deaf Association, Sekolah Kanak-kanak Pendidikan Khas and the beneficiaries will be participating at the fun run.
“Apart from promoting peace, the run is held in conjunction with USM’s ( Universiti Sains Malaysia) 50th anniversary, in which they are the venue sponsor,’’ he added.
There will be also other programmes at the event, such as the Zumba fitness dance, medical camp and educational booth.
Also present were PKAPP founder and president Alagesan Ayaru, organising committee chairman Tan Yee Wen and USM APUCEN representative Syazira Othman.
Registration can be done through online (JomRun, Howei and Ticket2u) or contact Ms Ong at 011-5518 5977.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian