Kingdom sets record for origami hearts display

Cambodians have broken a world record by folding 3,917,805 origami-style paper hearts after officials from the Guinness Book of World Records counted them up and declared the new record at Angkor Wat.

Hun Many, a senior lawmaker and head of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), which organised the event on Tuesday, said Cambodia’s efforts to set a new record this year were undertaken to show the love and unity of the nation.

The United Kingdom was the record holder in 2019 with a display of 53,704 paper hearts, a project led by sports and exercise science students at the University of Kent.

British ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams on Tuesday took to social media to congratulate Cambodia for the new record.

“As UK Amb, I should probably feel regret that we have lost our origami heart-making world crown. But Cambodia hasn’t just edged past us, it has launched into the stratosphere – nearly 4m! A special way to mark SEA Games,” he tweeted.

Many said the event was done in support of the “Beyond the Games” campaign that is focused on showing support, encouragement and appreciation to all of Cambodia’s national team athletes, coaches and staff as well as everyone who has worked on preparations for the upcoming SEA Games and Asean Para Games hosted by Cambodia this May.Many noted that every origami heart folded for the record was matched by a donation of 500 riel (RM0.54) that went to charity partners who help athletes with disabilities.

He said this is the first time in history that Cambodia has the honour of hosting the SEA Games and Asean Para Games. — Phnom Penh Post/ANN