Twentytwo13

Malaysia Olympians Association has big plans after ‘Spirit of Olympism’ ride captures public attention

Malaysia Olympians Association (MOA) president Noraseela Khalid said its ‘Spirit of Olympism’ fundraising campaign was a huge success, and that the association plans to have more events.

Alex Goh, 62, a fitness enthusiast, spearheaded the campaign as he began his quest last Saturday from i-City in Shah Alam, Selangor, and reached Paradigm Mall in Johor Bahru, Johor, this afternoon.

He made stops at several towns in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, along the way.

“The feedback we received was that many people were excited to see him (Goh) and learn about MOA – especially as he had a flag with our new logo,” said Noraseela after welcoming Goh in Johor Bahru.

“We hope more former athletes, even non-Olympians, come forward to plan events and do activities such as going to schools to speak to the students.

“If we can get athletes from each state – especially Sabah and Sarawak – involved, that would be great. Hopefully, we can get more support from the Youth and Sports Minister, National Sports Council, and the corporate sector,” she added.

Noraseela said many world-class athletes did not get to compete in the Olympics either through injury or the fact that their sport was not part of the movement.

Among them was eight-time world squash champion Datuk Nicol David, who had campaigned tirelessly for the sport to be part of the Olympics.

“If these athletes want to come forward to help, that would be great. Just because they did not compete in the Olympics does not diminish their greatness,” said Noraseela, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics.

She added that sports bring people together, as evident during Goh’s ride, where he met people of various races and backgrounds.

“There is no barrier, and sports can achieve what the government hopes to do … unifying the rakyat,” said the former 400m hurdler.

Two local sports clubs – Win Long Taekwondo Academy and Nadi Juara Active Centre, which belong to former national athlete Nordin Jadi – were at the finishing line to greet Goh.

Separately, Noraseela said one of its partners, Haruka Bakery, would start selling cakes and muffins with MOA’s logo as part of its fundraising efforts.

“Look out for the announcement of the launch date of that promotion,” she said.

The other partners of the Spirit of Olympism campaign were Twentytwo13,  WCT Malls Management and Heriot-Watt University.

Supporters include the 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