PUTRAJAYA: About 5 million students, teachers and Education Ministry staff nationwide participated in National Sports Day at their respective locations and schools, this morning.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said various activities were conducted in state, district and school levels to celebrate the inaugural event.
"The government wants to encourage Malaysians, especially youngsters, to not only be active in sports but also to be involved in the mass participation like National Sports Day.
"We hope this programme will encourage the youths to practice a healthier and active lifestyle. This event also helps strengthen relationship among Malaysians of different races and backgrounds." he said during the Fitness Programme in conjunction with National Sports Day at Dataran Putrajaya, here.
He later flagged off the Jalan Ria 1Murid 1Sukan, where thousands of participants took part in the 5km walk.
Also present was Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.