Sarawak Blessed Church Run 2024: Community Spirit and Running Enthusiasm Unite in Kuching
KUCHING, Aug 31: The Sarawak Blessed Church Run 2024 was a spectacular showcase of community spirit, fitness enthusiasm, and patriotism. With a turnout that exceeded expectations, the event highlighted the vibrant running culture of Kuching, bringing together local clubs, government leaders, and community members for a morning of fun, fitness, and togetherness.
Runfluencer Gang and Kuching Happy Runners Club Play Key Roles in the Event
Runfluencer Gang’s Energetic Participation Adds Excitement to the Run
One of the event’s main highlights was the participation of the renowned “Runfluencer” gang, a prominent running club in Kuching known for their involvement in local, national, and international running events. Led by captain Gwen Chong, around 20 members of the Runfluencer gang joined the run alongside Tina, a dedicated member of the Sarawak Blessed Church. Their enthusiasm and energy added an extra layer of excitement to the event, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to supporting community activities.
Kuching Happy Runners Club: The Unsung Heroes of the Event
Meanwhile, the Kuching Happy Runners Club played an essential role in marshalling the event, ensuring the smooth flow of the run from start to finish. Their dedication to maintaining the safety of all participants along the route was highly commendable. The club’s presence highlighted Kuching’s vibrant running culture and contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Praises the Event
Abdul Karim Applauds Efforts to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
The Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, graced the event and lauded the organizers for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. After flagging off the 5km and 3km runs from the church premises near Jalan Song, Abdul Karim highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering community bonds and encouraging youth participation.
“I am deeply moved when participants sang the ‘Sejahtera Malaysia’ song in unison,” he said, reflecting on the event’s patriotic spirit. As the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Abdul Karim acknowledged the run’s significance in uniting the community during the National Day celebration, fostering a sense of patriotism among participants.
Empowering Youth and Strengthening Community Bonds
Abdul Karim emphasized that the event aligned with the Ministry’s goals of empowering youth and promoting an active society. “They (Blessed Church) have done an excellent job. You can see that many of those involved in the run and other activities are youths. These efforts are crucial in ensuring our youth are well-guided, and running is one of the platforms we support,” he added. The Minister also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in guiding the younger generation and preventing social issues such as drug addiction.
Pastor Lim Gee Tiong Highlights the Event’s Objectives and Future Plans
Fostering Family Bonds and Raising Funds for the Church
Pastor Lim Gee Tiong, the spiritual leader of the Sarawak Blessed Church, shared that the primary goals of the run were to foster family togetherness, encourage youth participation in healthy activities, and raise funds for the church’s ongoing construction, which costs over RM70 million. “We are grateful to the Sarawak government for its support, especially in assisting and approving many of our applications for the church building,” said Pastor Lim.
He expressed the church’s vision of bringing blessings, sharing joy, and spreading love throughout Kuching through community-focused events. The run served as a fundraiser and a platform to strengthen community bonds.
Distinguished Guests and Local Leaders in Attendance
Community Leaders Show Strong Support for the Event
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, and representatives from the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS). Their presence underscored the importance of community involvement and the collaborative spirit that defines Sarawak’s vibrant culture.
A Bright Future for Community Runs in Kuching
As the Sarawak Blessed Church Run 2024 concluded, the event’s success was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and active living. With enthusiastic participation from clubs like the Runfluencer gang and Kuching Happy Runners Club, and strong support from government leaders, the future of community runs in Kuching looks brighter than ever.