Noraseela (left) and Goh showing the newly launched logo at the Malaysia Olympians Association ‘Spirit of Olympism 2023’ campaign in Johor Baru.
Malaysia Olympians Association is planning to start a grassroots programme to nurture more young sporting talents.
Its president Noraseela Mohd Khalid said it wants to work with schools on this.
“There have been cases where our children could not name national athletes, so it would be good to bring them along on these programmes so children will have a role model to emulate,” she said.
Noraseela was speaking after the association’s “Spirit of Olympism 2023” campaign final stop at Paradigm Mall Johor Baru.
Noraseela, who is a former national sprinter and hurdler, also welcomed collaborations with the Youth and Sports Ministry, National Sports Council and state sports councils to organise similar events in the future.
“With the right support and collaborations, we can reach a larger target udience,” she added.
Noraseela hopes the programme becomes an annual event in line with the association’s mission to promote the Olympian spirit.
“It would take an athlete about five years to prepare for an Olympic event, so if we can promote this initiative we can help nurture more local sporting talents,” she said.
The highlight of the programme saw veteran cyclist Alex Goh Shaw Peng, 62, embarking on a solo journey of over 450km to raise funds for the Spirit of Olympism 2023.
Goh volunteered to cycle from Shah Alam, Selangor, to Johor Baru in an effort to raise awareness of the Olympic spirit and the association’s newly launched logo.
“The most challenging part of the ride was on my first day because I started a little late from i-City Shah Alam,” said Goh.
“By the time I arrived in Morib, it was already 8pm and I had to cycle on a road with no lamp posts.
“My policy is to end my ride before 6pm every day as it could get dangerous riding at night.”
He hopes that his feat inspires others to be just as adventurous.
