Yesterday was perhaps one of Alex Goh’s proudest moments, as he got to address the assembly of his alma mater, SMK St. Andrew, in Muar, Johor.
The fitness enthusiast, who is halfway through the ‘Spirit of Olympism’ fundraising campaign, spoke to the students about his life’s journey that saw him earn a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the first Malaysian to run in the world’s top 10 marathons.
The ride, organised by the Malaysia Olympians Association (MOA), is to inculcate the spirit of Olympism and promote sports as an active lifestyle among Malaysians.
“It was a proud moment to stand before the assembly and share some of my achievements,” said Goh, 62.
“I hope my talk inspires and motivates the students to aim high and be active in life.
“I want them to know that they can do anything if they put their minds to it. Age should not matter, nor stop anyone from aiming high.”
Goh, who spent the day in his hometown, has completed five days of cycling. His journey ends in Johor Bahru on Saturday.
Goh began his journey last Saturday after receiving the Jalur Gemilang from Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and MOA.
From i-City Shah Alam, he cycled to Klang, Jenjarom, Banting, and Morib on Day 1; Gold Coast Morib, Batu Laut, Tanjung Sepat, Sepang, Lukut, and Port Dickson (Day 2); Port Dickson, Pasir Panjang, Masjid Tanah, Tanjung Kling, and Melaka town (Day 3); Melaka town, Portuguese Settlement, Merlimau, Sungai Rambai, and finally Muar (Day 4).
Goh said he was in tip-top shape but had an appointment with a masseur yesterday evening to “get my legs conditioned” before resuming his journey.
Besides speaking at his alma mater, Goh said the ride allowed him to sample some of his favourite food.
“Melaka is my second home as that is my wife’s hometown, and I have many favourite eating joints. There are several noodle and char kuey teow stalls I usually frequent in Muar,” said Goh.
“I did not pass up on the opportunity to taste some of my favourite dishes. The ride also allows me to catch up with some old friends.”
Goh said he was pleased with the ‘Spirit of Olympism’ ride thus far.
“The reception at every checkpoint has been good. I believe we have achieved our target of spreading the spirit of Olympism,” said Goh.
Among the former athletes who met Goh during his ride were S. Kuhan (hockey) and his family, R. Mogan (athletics), K. Saravanan (taekwondo) and S. Vasu (athletics), and Olympic Council of Malaysia vice-president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad.
MOA president Noraseela Khalid was also present at the Port Dickson and Melaka stops.
Partnering MOA for the event are Haruka Bakery, Heriot-Watt University, WCT Malls Management, and Twentytwo13.
Supporters include Malaysian Olympism in Action Society, Terramed Physio and Rehab, and Liquid Marketing.
Those who want to contribute to MOA can do so by banking in the funds to:
Public Bank Bhd
Account number: 3107929130
Name: PERSATUAN OLYMPIAN MALAYSIA (MOA)
Reference: OlympismFundraisingMOA
