Sintok International MTB Challenge 2019 Set To Promote UUM At International Level
A total of 764 participants brighten up the Sintok International MTB Challenge 2019 (SIMTBC 2019) organized by Universiti Utara Malaysia Cycling Club (UUMCC), here recently.
The event took place as early as 7 am when the release ceremony was completed by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani while Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hendrik Lamsali sounded the horn to mark the start of the event.
According to UUMCC President, Dr. Che Mohd Aziz, SIMTBC is the first programme organized under UUMCC in response to the challenge put forth by the Chairman of the University Board of Directors, Dato' Prof. Dr. Sudin Haron. As the Advisor of the Club, Dato' Prof. Dr. Sudin Haron was responsible for initiating the idea of bringing it to the international stage.
“The response was beyond our expectation as we received participations from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the farthest from South Africa," he said.
He said the programme which is jointly organised by the UUM Alumni Centre, the Kedah State Bicycle Association (PBNK) and Risda is aimed at inculcating the spirit of unity, harmony and well-being, especially among UUM campus community and the surrounding community through cycling sports activities.
Obviously, such activities can also help to realize UUM's tagline as 'University in the Green Forest' through cycling competition as a type of recreation which will promote environmental sustainability and healthy lifestyle.
"I am very impressed with the secretariat that has given their utmost commitment in realizing the success of this activity from the beginning until the start of the programme, hopefully we can organize a bigger event to bring UUM's brand in line with the aspirations of the Chairman of the University Board of Directors," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia Cycling Club (UUMCC) Bike Manager Amirudin Hashim said SIMTBC 2019 has successfully exhibited the vibrant spirit in the mental and physical challenge of the participants.
"From the tarred road, participants will cycle across 65% off road taking them across rivers, hilly routes, oil palm plantations, rubber estates, small alleys, sharp turns for as far as 38 kilometres are among the challenges awaiting the participants," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamad Farhan Mohamad Mohsin described the programme as upholding cycling sport as an ideal exercise for physical and mental health and the gathering will provide a platform for participants to exchange opinions with each other.
At the event, Bukit Kayu Hitam assemblyman Halimahton Shaadiah Saad, who represented the Kedah Menteri Besar presented prizes to the winners.