By Liana Zulkifli
GOMBAK, 23 November 2017: Having had to gather at the university ground as early as 3.30 a.m proved an amazing support from 600 IIUM students towards Malaysians United Run held at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) recently (18 November).
With the theme “Let’s Light Up Our Children’s Future”, the United Run which was a closing event of the year for non-profit organisation, Institut Onn Ja’afar (IOJ), was flagged off by the Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein at 8.30 a.m.
The event was aimed to enhance the spirit of volunteerism among university students and to raise fund for the unfortunate children.
Organised by University Centre for Community Engagement (BUDI) with support from the Malaysian government, the run was also intended to promote diversity in societies for student volunteerism activity for the community with participation from over 60 universities.
As the student ambassador, Aida Azira Mohamad viewed that “the overwhelming participation showed the fact that IIUM students love the running event”.
“They were so excited, full of enthusiasm, and gave good cooperation. The event would motivate us to practise running frequently,” committee member Soleha Putri Mohamad Ramli said.
Meanwhile, one of the participants, Nur Ain Zulaikha Jamaluddin, broke her new achievement in the run.
“I can’t imagine I could finish 5km successfully. I hope my participation could help more needy people,” she said.
“The run is important for the students because it can strengthen the bonding among students from various universities and help them to keep fit,” Nur Syahira Izzati Mat Yasin, another member of the committee said.
Malaysians United Run saw the participation of more than 40,000 people around Malaysia with support from several NGOs, companies and universities.
Throughout the event, participants were given the Running T-shirt and certificates apart from being entertained by local artistes like Dayang Nur Faizah, Jaclyn Victor and Altimet.***
Photo Credit To Institut Onn Ja'afar