SINTOK: Over 11,000 participants joined the state-level National Sports Day event held at the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) campus here today (Oct 12).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail lauded the overwhelming turn-out, enabling Kedah to significantly contribute towards achieving the target of 4.5 million participants nationwide.
"Here in UUM, we have three main events comprising cycling, running and walking. The same event is also being conducted simultaneously in all 12 districts in Kedah today (Oct 12).
"This is yet another success story of the National Sports Day event in achieving the 4.5 million participants target, with Kedah contributing significantly to the numbers," he said after launching the event.
Present were Kedah State Secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali and state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Radhi Mat Din. The event was organised by the State Development Office.
Saifuddin added that the theme 'Fit Together' chosen by the National Sports Council was inclusive in attracting the participation of all Malaysians.
"We are confident that this event will achieve its four objectives, namely creating awareness amongst people to live a healthy lifestyle; to attract total involvement of the people; to foster unity; and to promote sports as an industry," he said.