KUALA LUMPUR, The inaugural “Jom Jalan Bersama NPC” programme today attracted over 200 participants, including former athletes, journalists, young people and members of the public.

National Press Club (NPC) president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said the programme, organised in collaboration with the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association, aimed to assist the government and sports bodies in inculcating an interest among young people in pursuing sports, particularly athletics, as a career.

“There are over 200 participants … but for a start, we are grateful to have many young people participating. Most importantly, we want to discover young talent by having them join the walking event; who knows, through this programme, we might unearth a ‘future national champion’,” he said when met at the programme.

He said NPC also intends to revive events like The Malay Mail Big Walk, which at its height could attract 10,000 to 12,000 participants, within the next five years.

NPC, Malaysia’s oldest press club,
plans to expand today’s programme by organising walking clinics at the school level, he said.

“Hopefully, next year we can also organise this programme on a larger scale to attract the attention of other sponsors and make it a family event. We will try to hold a mini concert to attract more people and also open the walk events to international participants,” he said.

Jom Jalan Bersama NPC featured two main categories – a competitive 10km walk for men, women, boys and girls, and a 5km fun walk open to all ages from seven years and above.

Among those who participated in today’s event were former national sprinters Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan and Datuk Shahrudin Ali, Malaysian Olympians Association president Noraseela Mohd Khalid, former national walker Mohamed Shahrulhaizy Abdul Rahman and artiste Ahirine Ahirudin.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency