By Nor Hanis binti Subri
Nowadays, virtual marathons and runs are popular fundraising events but sadly, gathering in large groups of people together during a pandemic is not permissible. However, the concept of a fundraising run (or walk-a-thon) can be translated to virtual like a step challenge, which is a programme, usually organised by a society, where participants compete by taking steps throughout the day.
Thus, a step challenge on “Stepping for A Better Tomorrow: 100K Virtual Steps Challenge” conducted recently by Sport and Recreation Bureau, Mahallah Representative Committees of Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah, IIUM Pagoh, had called on community all over the country to accept this challenge in order to unite and gather all participants through the challenge, in line with the words “social distancing but stepping together”.
The programme held from 12 to 26 February on the theme “February Fitness” was organised with the objective to highlight the benefit of stepping for a better tomorrow which is essential for our health and heart. Besides, it was also to encourage the people, especially the students, to stay active and healthy during this challenging time. A challenge usually is a good way to motivate runners in achieving their goals by offering a platform for virtual races.
“Stepping for A Better Tomorrow: 100K Virtual Steps Challenge” is open to all citizens of Malaysia. Unexpectedly, it received tremendous number of participants for the event not only from IIUM students, but also from other universities such as Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech Mara Kuala Lumpur and others.
To motivate participants, the organiser rewarded prizes for the three (3) fastest participants in completing the challenge and two winners who creatively take selfie with the best caption on Instagram of the event. Surprisingly, many participants finished the 100K steps challenge in a short time such as within four days only.
Thus, the first place for 100K steps finisher goes to Diana bt Ibrahim, the second place is Atyqa Azureen binti Azuddin, and the third place is Nur Asri Mohd Said. Other than that, the luckiest participants for the selfie competition are Siti Asmak bt Hashim and Nor Suraya bt Subri. Congratulations to all the winners, well done!
Finally, the programme received good feedback from the participants as well as the committees. Besides, everyone involved in this programme attained lots of benefits. It is hoped that this kind of programme is still being encouraged to be held again in the future.
Last but not least, dare to dream, dare to try! You have the ‘fire’ in your heart and the determination to get the job done. Let’s wish that you do not run away from challenges. Run over them!
For further inquiries, readers are advised to refer to the Instagram: @mahallah_zaidharithah.***