Over 30 corporate bodies will join the millions of Malaysians in celebrating the inaugural National Sports Day.
The National Sports Day is aimed at inculcating healthy lifestyle among Malaysians of all walks of life by organising various sporting events which will be observed on October 10 nationwide.
It was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 24, 2015 with an estimated three million Malaysians expected to participate in the nation-wide celebrations.
The Government has also gazetted the second Saturday of October each year as National Sports Day.
The National Sports Day is an initiative driven by the Youth and Sports Ministry as a proactive measure in the transformation of Malaysia to become a sporting nation. Hence, the National Sports Day has been placed as a national agenda in line with the nation’s aspirations towards Vision 2020.
Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said it is generally accepted that sports plays an important role in nation building and a National Sports Day involves mass participation of Malaysians in inculcating a healthy lifestyle.
“Apart from that it also tells of the personal success stories of athletes who have excelled and are role models for our younger generation. Indulging a strict regime of exercising and good eating habits will also keep away chronic diseases,” said Khairy.
He was speaking at a press conference yesterday announcing the various corporate partners for the October 10 event.
The concept of celebrating National Sports Day is widely practised in several other nations. In India, the National Sports Day marks the birthday of hockey wizard, the late Major Dhyan Chand, who was instrumental in India wining gold medals in the Olympics, while inJapan and Qatar, it is held to promote healthy lifestyles.
In Malaysia, this collective cooperation of the public sector, private sector and the general population will ensure that sports and fitness activities will be carried out smoothly with a high rate of participation on the day itself.
Khairy added that the National Sports Day aims to improve the health of the general population, recognise sporting talent, increase productivity, generate comprehensive wellness, improve mental health and foster a spirit of unity in the nation.
“This is important in the government’s efforts to encourage people to practice a healthy and active lifestyle as the percentage of society active in sports is estimated at around 40 percent compared with 50 to 60 percent in developed countries,” he added.
Sports culture through the practice of healthy and active lifestyles can also help reduce growing rate of chronic diseases among Malaysians.
A total of 4,435 (as of today) sporting and fitness programmes are scheduled to be held in conjunction with National Sports Day throughout the peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah with greater cooperation and participation from the respective Youth and Sports Departments and state governments at all levels in villages, districts and parliamentary constituencies.
Among the events planned are sepak raga, futsal, basketball, zumba (physical workout dance), treasure hunt, netball, and Muay Thai challenge for all to name a few. Iconic events organised by corporate sectors include the Spartan Race, The Music Run, PD International Triathlon, Score Fitmob, sports expo and national bike race.
The National Sports Day is an important day to promote the continued expansion of opportunities for every Malaysian to be involved in any sporting activity and live physically active lives.
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