Make ASEAN Unity Run An Annual Event - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Sunday called for the ASEAN Unity Run to be made an annual event in conjunction with the ASEAN Day celebration. He said the programme organised by Aman Malaysia showed the sports event had not only brought Malaysians together but also strengthened ties among countries in the regional grouping. "I am happy to be able to meet the ambassadors of ASEAN countries. Such a programme should be extended further, if we can make it as an annual event we would be able to enhance our relations with other ASEAN countries," he told reporters after participating in the run at Padang Merbok here Sunday. Khairy said the ASEAN Unity Run 2015 attracted 10,000 participants from more than 20 countries to collect RM33,000 (US$8,407) for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Meanwhile, Aman Malaysia president Mohamed Hazali Abu Hassan said the event was able to promote ASEAN values and the goal of unity and harmony amongst its member countries. "I believe we have achieved our objective of helping to foster greater ties and unity within the community while also providing an opportunity for people from all walks of life and of all ages to participate in this health and fitness activity," said Mohamed Hazali. Kenyan runners dominated the 21-kilometre run when they won the top three places in both the men and women categories. Sigei Barnaba clocked one hour five minutes 20 seconds, defeating compatriots Rotich Zablon Kipngetich and Wairuri Antony who clocked 1'05:25s and 1'07:03 respectively in the men's open. Meanwhile, Ruto Beatrice Jepkorir was triumphant in the 21km women's open defeating Esther Wambui Karimi and Tarus Gladys Jepkechei. Jepkorir completed the run in 1'19:01s while Karimi clocked 1'19:13s and Jepkechei 1'22:12s. The first place winners took home RM5,000 while second and third place won RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. (US$1 = RM3.92) -- BERNAMA