Kordel's - AFM Charity Walkathon 2009

The inaugural Kordel’s – AFM Charity walkathon, held on Sunday May 24^th, will go down as a day to remember on the AFM calendar this year.

As the weather dawned bright and balmy, the Taman Jaya Park in Petaling Jaya was a hive of activity from the break of dawn, and organisers were all ready to greet walkathon participants and other merry makers from 7 am. Things progressed quickly, with the smooth registration of some 360 Walkathon participants being handed their number tags as well as their breakfasts.

Activities were underway to the sound of feet-tapping music from the MC’s turntable, even as walkers – adults and children alike, thronged the VIP tent for a chance at a chat and a photo opportunity with Kordel’s ambassador for the Charity Walkathon, Malaysia’s first austronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.

With the flag off by VIP guest, AFM patron Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Dr Hjh Aishah Ong, the race got off to a smooth start after participants were led in a warm-up routine, and reminded not to run, but walk, to a quick finish!

In keeping with the novelty appeal of the charity event, walkers were grouped into teams of 4, where teams were ranked according to the combined times of all 4 walkers. The event saw a total of 90 teams participate on the day.

Post-race, all present were treated to some fun and games as well as post-walk refreshments were provided. This was made possible through the support of the day’s sponsors, Kordel’s, as well as co-sponsors Nivea, Nuvafemme, Juvanex, Bio Oil, Green Magma, Nando’s, Sweet Sweat, Brut, Denim, Ribena and Horlicks. There were also two official media partners, Health & Beauty and MIDI magazine.

Alongside the fun, it was fitting that speeches by all VIPs, both from the AFM as well as Cambert Malaysia’s Director Dr Daniel Zuellig, touched on the importance of the walkathon’s cause – the rehabilitation of needy arthritis patients through the Athritis Fund. The day’s events also served as a means of arthritis education, with a reminder that arthritis it its many forms is very much treatable disease, with better treatment results the earlier the disease is diagnosed.

To this end, the three-month collaboration as well as the walkathon managed to raise a total of RM 19,718 this year, all of which will be channeled by the AFM to help joint replacements of arthritis patients in the future.

The speakers also applauded the encouraging turnout, and the spirit and carmaderie generated from the day’s events. It was, in all a successful outing and a Sunday morning well spent for all involved. Not least of all, the day’s winners, the team comprising  B. Thirukumaran, G. Suresh, Lo Choon Seng, and R. Thevendra, who clocked in a total team time of 1.12.53 and walked away with the RM1,000 grand prize.

Needless to say AFM felt privileged to be partnered with Kordel’s for this year’s collaboration, and looks forward to more such events for the benefit of all!