KOTA KINABALU: More than 1,000 people took part in the Maksak Malaysia Day Run 2013, organized by the State Civil Service Department Welfare and Recreation Club (REKA) here yesterday.
The event was launched by State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, who is also chairman of Maksak Sabah (Malaysian Civil Servants Welfare and Recreation Council for Sabah).
The objective of the inaugural run was to encourage civil servants to lead a healthy lifestyle and be more active in performing their daily duties.
Sukarti said apart from culturalising sports and instilling the importance of good health among civil servants, the event also provided a platform for Sabahans to celebrate Malaysia Day and to show their gratefulness to the country’s independence.
“The participation from all levels of society in this program is a symbol of harmony and integrity of our unity in this independent state,” he said.
Sukarti launched the event at 7.30am and presented contributions to the Sabah Heroes Fund and the Sabah Welfare Fund during the prize presentation ceremony.
The run featured eight categories, namely men’s and women’s veteran (41 and above), secondary students (men’s and women’s), primary pupils (boys and girls) and men’s and women’s open.
The champion, runner-up and third place winners in the adult category received RM500, RM300 and RM200 respectively while winners in the student category walked away with RM300, RM200 and RM100.
Also present were Sabah State Islamic Affairs Department director-cum-Maksak deputy chairman (sports) Datuk Amri Suratman and Kota Kinabalu City Hall director-general-cum-Maksak deputy chairman Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.