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Students have a field day at high-powered event Posted: 24 Jan 2013 03:58 AM PST AIMAN Ahmad Maulana from Sunway University recently rediscovered the joy of road running at the second Multi-Purpose Insurans Berhad (MPIB) Run in Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur. Aiman and his teammate, Khoo Boo Chuan, 19, took up the challenge to represent their university at the run. Twenty-year-old Aiman said it was a pleasant return to road running as he did not want to miss the opportunity to start the new year on a healthy note. "I had stopped taking part in road running events for almost two years. It was great to get back. Physically, we are in good shape. We are active in different team sports. Khoo is in the rugby team, while I am in the university's handball team," he said. Besides Sunway University, the organisers selected two other higher education institutions — Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) College and Help University — to give the youngsters a head start in the running scene this year, both as participants and volunteers. Ten free slots were offered to each institution to form their own teams. As a result, 20-year-old Wong Jia Wen and three of her mates from TAR College joined the event. According to Jia Wen, the girls had a wonderful time as the run was well-organised. Duo Cece Wong and Lee Kok How from Help University shared a similar view. Both agreed that the undulating route was not only challenging but also scenic. Meanwhile, livening up the run by creating a carnival-like atmosphere was a group of fun-runners from the "Evergreen Adventure Team" led by Angie Ng. "We decided to wear colourful wigs to complement our normal running outfit. Our aim was to add colour to the event," said Angie. The run drew a maximum participation of 5,000 runners, kicking off the season to a good start. The six categories for the 12km run were: Women's and Men's Open (above 16), Women's Veteran (35 to 45), Men's Veteran (40 to 50), Women's Senior Veteran (above 45) and Men's Senior Veteran (above 50). Winner of the Men's Open, R. Venugopal of Team New Balance, crossed the finish line with a comfortable advantage ahead of his closest challenger. The 26-year-old Venugopal clocked 42:51.65 for first place ahead of Jothpal Singh Ragbir Singh and Tang Yew Choy, who clocked 45:55.40 and 47:34.02, respectively. Venugopal said the run had served as a perfect training ground for him to prepare for other races this season. "I took part in the inaugural event last year. It was great to be part of the event, again," said Venugopal, who has been participating in running events for 15 years. Former national walker Yuan Yufang emerged winner in the women's veteran category, clocking 51:11.81. For this year's event, besides introducing a shorter 5km route, the organisers also raised the previous distance of 6km to 8km. There were two categories for the 8km route — women's above 16 and men's above 16. |
Putrajaya shopping centre fetes charity home’s residents Posted: 24 Jan 2013 03:56 AM PST A TOTAL of 18 senior citizens and 11 underprivileged children from Rumah Charis were treated to an early Chinese New Year celebration by Alamanda Putrajaya shopping centre, recently. Young and old, they all took part in activities that were specially designed to bring them cheer. "Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations for the Chinese community. While many of them are busy with preparations this time of the year, we wanted to make sure that the less fortunate were not forgotten. "The community has always been close to our hearts, so this Chinese New Year, we want to give them a memorable treat that they will surely enjoy," said Alamanda Putrajaya general manager Angeline Yee. While the children played games sponsored by G-City, the senior citizens were whisked off for a makeover and wellness pampering session. The makeover started off at A-Saloon with a haircut, wash and blow. After that, they were pampered with a manicure and pedicure at the salon and a shoulder massage at Reborn Medi-lifestyle. To ensure wellness from the inside out, the folks were taken for a health screening at Clinic Mediveron and Clinic Maria, as well as an eye check at Optical 88, Focus Point and Menara Optometry. Staying true to the Chinese New Year spirit, the residents from Rumah Charis were entertained with an impressive acrobatic lion dance performance as well as a face changing performance. The group were also feted to a delectable lunch spread; both senior citizens and children took the opportunity to toss the traditional yee sang as high as they could for good fortune and prosperity. This was followed by a movie screening — Jackie Chan's latest CZ12 — at Golden Screen Cinemas. On top of that, residents of the home also received RM4,900 worth of Carrefour cash vouchers. "We are very happy that Alamanda and its retail partners gave the senior citizens and children a celebration to remember. "Some of our residents have been abandoned by their family members but I am certain this act of kindness will bring them joy. It not only reminds them that they are not forgotten. It will also make them feel appreciated," said Rumah Charis caretaker Suzanne Lee. Rumah Charis is a non-profit welfare organisation founded in 1988 with a home to serve the old and aged. The community social services have been extended to include the Children Home's and the Very Strong Old People's Club that organises activities for senior citizens. Rumah Charis has been offering social services such as spiritual guidance, shelter, education and healthy community activities for over 20 years. For details and to make a contribution, call 012-472 3935. |
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