Walking Clinics Take Off

By Wan Sakinah A. Saburi

THE Malay Mail Big Walk walking clinics for schools were launched at the Education Department auditorium in Jalan Duta yesterday by its director, Abas Awang.

Also present was The Malay Mail and Weekend Mail deputy editor and organising committee chairman Yushaimi Yahaya.

Some 1,500 students from 140 schools will take part in the walking clinics until Friday.

Abas said the programme is a good way for the public and corporate bodies to give something back to charity.

“The Malay Mail’s effort to organise this event with the welfare of the less fortunate in mind is commendable and should be emulated by all,” he said.

He said such an event is also good for Malaysians who are caught up in the busy schedule of their daily lives and do not have enough exercise.

“It is important to ensure that we stay healthy. There is no price that can be put on health,” he said.

“If the community takes part in such healthy activities, there will be less health-related problems.”

Abas also thanked The Malay Mail for choosing the Malaysian Sports Council to be its sporting partner in the event.

He said 10 schools were selected to host the clinics.

Yushaimi expressed his gratitude to the department as well as the sponsors – Milo and Nestle – for their cooperation in the Biggie.

“Since its inception in 1960, the Biggie has been the only sporting activity which targets families,” Yushaimi said.

“It is also not too competitive, focusing instead on the spirit of fun and support for healthy activities.”

He said the ultimate aim of the Biggie is not about winning but its concept of togetherness.

“We have seen a steady increase of participants every year. In 2005, about 60 per cent of schools in the Klang Valley took part in the event,” he said.

The event ended with the audience taking part in a walking clinic conducted by coach Jagjit Singh.

This year’s Biggie will be held on April 29 at Dataran Merdeka from 7am.

RM1 from the RM10 registration fees for adults and RM5 for schoolchildren will be channelled to the fund.

Those interested in taking part can get their entry forms in The Malay Mail or at the FTAAA office, 2nd floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur, or at Balai Berita.

Closing date for registration is April 21.

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