MALAYSIAN SPORTS MINISTER: "ON YOUR BIKE, MALAYSIA!"
Kuala Lumpur, 25 August 2011 – Youth & Sports Minister Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek today called on Malaysians from all walks of life to come out in full force to participate in what is set to become the nation’s largest ever mass participation cycling event, OCBC Cycle Malaysia.
The event takes place from 14-16 October 2011 starting at Dataran Merdeka and provides opportunities to ride for both professional and amateurs ranging from toddlers to serious cycling enthusiasts.
Speaking at a press conference at the Doubletree by Hilton to announce the Ministry’s support and endorsement of the event, he said the sport of cycling has grown in popularity over the past few years and the event is timely considering the demand for city road events such as this.The event is owned and organised by Spectrum Worldwide and title-sponsored by OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad.
“I am pleased to note that since its soft launch about a month ago, about 2,000 people have already registered for OCBC Cycle Malaysia and the target, I am told, is to have at least twice that number to participate on the actual day. Still, I am confident there are a lot more cycling enthusiasts out there and the organisers should be able to hit the 5,000 mark without too much difficulty,” he said.
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad has committed more than RM2 million toward the event, which is premised on a similar effort that has been running in Singapore the past three years, OCBC Cycle Singapore.
Unlike other cycling events on the circuit calendar, the three-day affair aims to promote cycling as a sport and wholesome activity for cyclists of any skill level, allowing them to do so on closed roads in the heart of the city.
Mr Jeffrey Chew, Director & CEO, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, said the RM2 million investment is in line with the Bank’s corporate values and quest to contribute actively to the community in a wholesome manner.
“At OCBC Bank, we believe in investments that bear significant returns for our customers. I am excited about the launch of OCBC Cycle Malaysia, which gives us an ideal platform to promote not only a healthy lifestyle, but also the spirit of teamwork and togetherness, hallmarks of our national culture. This also augurs well for the practice of OCBC’s core values, and is in line with our ongoing commitment to engage more significantly with the community. I hope to see many more take part in the event,” he said.
Following the success of OCBC Cycle Singapore in the past three years, OCBC Bank and Spectrum Worldwide decided to stage OCBC Cycle Malaysia, starting this year. Endorsed also by the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), the event is designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among people of all ages and fitness levels.
Mr Chris Robb, Managing Director, Spectrum Worldwide, anticipates OCBC Cycle Malaysia will be a hit among Malaysians.
“OCBC Cycle Malaysia 2011 will offer Malaysians the opportunity to participate in a cycling event that caters to their individual skill levels. Whether they are keen cyclists or children learning to ride a bike, it will be an enjoyable time for anyone who basks in the sheer pleasure of cycling.
“Given the growing popularity of the sport and success of the national track team, we believe we will be able to attract the targeted 3,000 to 5,000 participants – making OCBC Cycle Malaysia the largest non-professional cycling event in Malaysia,” he said
OCBC Cycle Malaysia 2011 will comprise four distance categories ranging from 100m to 48km, making the three-day event accessible to both serious amateurs and beginner riders. The 100m Tricycle Ride is specially designed for children between the ages two and five while the Mighty Savers™ Kids Ride (4km) is open to children from six to 12. Beginners and families who wish to participate in OCBC Cycle Malaysia can sign up for The Community Ride (21km). The Challenge (52km) is open to participants over the age of 14.
The rides will flag off from DataranMerdeka and take participants through the streets and iconic landmarks of Kuala Lumpur such as the PWTC, KL Tower, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and KLCC.
The OCBC Cycle series was launched in 2009 in Singapore against the backdrop of one of the worst financial crises because of OCBC Bank’s belief in giving back to the community in good and bad times. The event in Singapore grew from 5,000 cyclists in its first year to more than 10,000 cyclists this year, and featured the likes of top Malaysian cyclist Anuar Manan of Terengganu Pro-Asia. Both OCBC Bank and Spectrum Worldwide gauged a similar trend in the popularity of cycling in Malaysia, buoyed significantly by the success of the national cycling team.
Apart from title sponsor OCBC Bank, OCBC Cycle Malaysia is also supported by sponsors Doubletree by Hilton, Shimano, F2P, BaikBike.com, Polygon, MixFM, 100Plus, The Expat Group and Cycling Malaysia Magazine with Spectrum Worldwide expected to announce additional event partners in upcoming weeks.
Registration for OCBC Cycle Malaysia 2011 is currently open with registration fees starting from RM27. Interested parties can go to www.ocbc.cyclemalaysia.com.my to register.
- End -