‘Hero or Zero 2015’ run organised by Curtin Civil Society a great success

Miri – 30 April 2015 – Blessed by fine weather, the recent ‘Hero or Zero 2015: Run as Hero’ 10-kilometre run organised by Curtin Civil Society (CCS) in collaboration with the Red Crescent Voluntary Aid Detachment 57 (VAD57) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), was a great success.

Over 450 runners made up of staff and students of Curtin Sarawak participated in the event, which was organised to promote an active lifestyle and social integration through sport within the university community and the larger community. Among the messages put across to the participants was that physical exercise can help in the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases while also keeping depression at bay.

According to student Sit Yew who participated for the first time in the 10km run, it was a great experience and challenge, both mentally and physically. Meanwhile, fellow runner Min Sheue said one do not stop when one is tired but stop when one is done.
“Determination makes a hero,” remarked Min Sheue.

The event was supported by various departments of the university and sponsored by Vision pharmacy, Ayam Brand, Indocafe, Etoys, Paragon Hotel, Silverwood Sdn Bhd and Professor Marcus Lee.

The success of ‘Hero or Zero 2015’ was yet another boost for VAD57, which just a week earlier was awarded the Datuk Lee Kim Shin Outstanding Community Contribution Award at Curtin Sarawak’s 2015 Award and Scholarship Dinner.

The award, which was presented by Assistant Minister of Communications and chairman of the Curtin Sarawak Management Board Datuk Lee Kim Shin himself, is awarded annually to the student organisation demonstrating outstanding service to both the Miri and Curtin Sarawak communities.

VAD57 was established in 2004 and, through the years, has organised numerous events in support of the local community, as well as participated in humanitarian work and providing first aid assistance around Miri. This commitment to serving the community earned it the recognition of being the best VAD unit in whole of Sarawak by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society for seven consecutive years.

According to ex-commandant of VAD57, Lee Ren Jie, winning the award was a great honour for the detachment and has motivated its members to do more for the community. He expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported VAD57’s activities in the past, including Curtin Sarawak’s Office of Student Affairs which it works closely with in its campus and community service activities.

More information on VAD57 can be obtained on its Facebook page (VAD57) or by emailing curtinrc@gmail.com.

Hero or Zero 2015 runners pose for group photo.

Members of VAD57 at Curtin Sarawak Award and Scholarship Dinner with Curtin University Acting Chancellor Sue Wilson (centre) and Curtin Sarawak Pro-Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam (fourth from left).