On 23 October 2023, Bukit Jalil saw the return of the IMU Chariofare Charity Run-Carnival, with the annual event kicking off in the early morning. The event attracted a total of 931 registered participants, which included IMU staff, students, family members, professional runners, corporate partners, and members of the local community.
The run featured multiple categories, including 3km for both adults and children, 5km for men, women, junior boys, and junior girls, and 10km for men’s open, women’s open, and team challenges. Prior to the race, a lively warm-up session was conducted by Chiropractic students, and the race officially commenced with the enthusiastic sound of a welcoming air-horn, initiated by Prof Khoo Suan Phaik (Dean for Community Engagement and Sustainability).
To align with the theme of “Empowering Tomorrow’s Community” for this year, our event took on an extra special dimension as we extended a warm invitation to special needs participants from OKU Sentral to join us in the fun run/walk. This inclusive gathering encompassed individuals ranging from 3 to 70 years old.
At the same time, well over 70 booths were bustling with activity, offering a wide array of homemade food, arts and crafts, dunking stations, games, and various other family-friendly attractions that occupied every available space at IMU. These attractions drew the attention of more than 1,500 attendees, including both the runners and carnival visitors. Interestingly, the spirit of Chariofare extended beyond the event day, as IMU staff and students had already embarked on awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts leading up to the carnival.
The opening ceremony, in the absence of Prof Abdul Aziz Baba (IMU’s Vice Chancellor), was presided over by Prof Ian Martin Symonds (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic). He was joined by a distinguished lineup including Tan Sri Abu Bakar Sulaiman (Emeritus President, IMU Health), Prof Khoo (Dean for Community Engagement and Sustainability), Edwin Yap Sin Fook (Representative of the Main Sponsor for Chariofare 2023 – MSIG), YB Datuk Ras Adiba (former Senator representing persons with disabilities / OKU), Christy Chiu Lai Heng (Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer of IMU), and Prof Dato Lokman (Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research).
The Chariofare 2023 was launched with great excitement as a colorful balloon drop and confetti showered the crowd. The atrium remained a hub of entertainment with various performances, including dances, songs, guitar music, and choir presentations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
This year, Chariofare 2023 received numerous sponsors all jointly contributing to the greater cause that IMU champions. This also includes the invaluable efforts made by the IMU community of staff and students who contributed in so many ways before and during the Chariofare Run and Carnival Day itself.
Beneficiaries
1.
A donation of RM30,000 was made to three beneficiaries ie. OKU Sentral, Befrienders and Women Aid Organisation (WAO).
2.
Ten wheelchairs were also donated to recipients of OKU Sentral.
IMU Cares is grateful to everyone who has contributed with grace and kindness. The generous support has not only made this event possible but also fuelled our mission with hope and purpose. Each step taken is a testament to the belief and commitment all have shown. Together, we continue to make a difference.
Click on the link to watch a video on the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj3HHqqezxE
