Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009

Source: The Star

Friday January 8, 2010

Fellowship and charity

By CHRISTINA CHIN

MORE than 700 riders from all over the country raced through the states of Penang, Perak and Kedah over two consecutive days — all in the name of charity.

Participants of the inaugural Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009 arrived at the Penang Municipal Park on Jan 1 after cycling some 220km.

Cyclists rule: 700 cyclists have the right of way in a 220km ride through three states over two days to foster fellowship and raise RM20,000 for charity.

The event was co-organised by corporate giant Malakoff and a non-governmental organisation called the Knights of the Round Table (KOTRT) with the support of the Penang Sports Council.

Challenging ride: Cyclists arriving at the Penang Municipal Park after braving the 220km Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride 2009.

In his speech, Malakoff Corporation Berhad managing director and chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said the event integrated recreational sports with the community’s wellbeing.

Welcome gift: Dr Sim (left) receiving a mock cheque from Ahmad Jauhari (second right). With them are KOTRT president Mohd Azmi Mohd Zainuddin (second left) and Ong.

“This will be an annual event for us and is part of our corporate social responsibility programme. This year, 110 of our employees joined in the ride to raise RM20,000 for the National Autistic Society of Malaysia (Nasom) (Penang Chapter). Hopefully, next year we can get greater number of participants and have an exhilarating route,” he said.

Nasom advisor Dr Sim Joo Seng said the centre provides counselling and customised training to those affected by autism.

“We need continuous financial support and volunteers as there are many more on the waiting list who can benefit from the centre’s services,” he said, before thanking Malakoff for its assistance.

In her address, state Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong Kok Fooi said the state government was aware of its growth potential in sports tourism and would encourage the public to be more active and participate in healthy community-based activities.