20,000 volunteers needed for 2017 SEA Games

Leading by example: Khairy joining other cyclists to complete the 30km cycling event at the Selangor-level Fit Malaysia campaign in Petaling Jaya.

PETALING JAYA: If you are a sports enthusiast and want to get close to athletes, here’s your chance.

The Youth and Sports Ministry wants 20,000 Malaysians to serve as volunteers for the 2017 SEA Games.

Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said volunteers, regardless of age, could contribute to make the event a successful and memorable one.

So far, more than 1,000 people had signed up, he said.

“This was just an hour after the programme was launched (on Saturday),” he told reporters at the Selangor-level Fit Malaysia campaign here yesterday.

Khairy said the ministry expected about 100,000 to register, but added that only 20,000 would be accepted.

“We want those who are really committed and can carry out their tasks effectively,” he said.

Those interested can sign up at www.seagames2017.com.my.

Malaysia will host the SEA Games for the sixth time.

On the Fit Malaysia campaign, Khairy said he noticed that awareness on healthy living had increased among the people.

“There are some changes in terms of attitude and behaviour but we still have a long way to go,” he added.

He pointed out that with the campaign and other events in place, Ma­laysia could achieve its goal of becoming a sporting nation instead of just a sports-loving nation.

Fit Malaysia, mooted by Khairy, is a campaign aimed at inspiring Ma­laysians to stay fit and improve the overall physical, social and psychological well-being of the people through sports and fitness activities.