Hulu Selangor – Fonterra Brands Malaysia, one of the world’s leading dairy companies, held an inaugural sports event for Orang Asli families and children to celebrate Malaysia’s National Sports Day.
The first sports day event ever organized at a large scale is held in Kampung Pertak Kuala Kubu Baru, the ENHANCE Get Together Fun Day saw 60 Orang Asli families and more than 40 children of the Temuan treated to a day of fun, sporting activities.
Mr Jose Miguel Porraz-Lando, Managing Director of Fonterra Brands Malaysia and Singapore, said the sports day was organised to encourage healthy lifestyles and celebrate the spirit of good sportsmanship among the Orang Asli community in Kampung Pertak.
“Malaysia has the highest rate of overall obesity in Asia, and one in five children is overweight or obese. With the rise of numerous health issues in Malaysia such as obesity, heart ailments and diabetes, the message of embracing a healthy lifestyle is becoming more urgent.
“A strong nation begins with a healthier, happier society, and Fonterra is committed to raising awareness of the importance of being active and supporting a healthy lifestyle with the right nutrition, including high quality dairy,” Mr Porraz-Lando said.
Hosted near the ENHANCE learning centre Fonterra established in 2013, the day started with a three kilometre cross-country race, followed by family sports activities such as balloon throwing, coconut bowling, running in sarong, football in kain pelikat, a tug of war, as well as a colouring contest.
“I am so happy and I really enjoyed myself today playing the different sports and activities. We had a lot of fun. The chocolate CalciYum is also very yummy so I had more than a few cups!” quipped Rika Sabina Binti Lengan, aged 11, a student participating in the ENHANCE Project.
Throughout the day, employee volunteers from Fonterra Brands Malaysia and Yayasan Salam participated in fun activities with villagers, while participants and onlookers enjoyed free-flow CalciYum milk throughout the event.
The ENHANCE Get Together Fun Day sports event for Orang Asli families is one of many activities under the ENHANCE project by Fonterra Brands Malaysia, run in partnership with Yayasan Salam Malaysia.
This year the ENHANCE project is focused on the importance of keeping an active lifestyle in acknowledgment of the health issues facing the nation today.