KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — From children to the elderly, Malaysians were united in the spirit of running together in the Run for National Unity 2018. Regardless of creed, ability or walk of life, Malaysians expressed a sense of accomplishment by participating in the event together. Here are some testimonies:

1.         Ahmad Rafee Arifin, Paralympic coach

A Paralympian himself, 34-year-old Ahmad is never one to shy away from a challenge. A football enthusiast from young, Ahmad’s life was turned upside down when he lost his arm in a sugar cane machine accident. Determined to pursue a career in sports, Ahmad eventually persevered and is now inspiring fellow Paralympians with his story. A winner in life, the runner was awarded the Tokoh Anugerah Sukan Kelantan 2015. "I am proud of where I am now,” said the father of a young daughter, before adding that he hopes she will follow in his footsteps by becoming an athlete one day.

Adriana hopes to be a Malaysia-representing runner.

2.         Nur Adriana Batrisya, 11-year old student

Not her first rodeo, the year’s run marks her sophomore return. An aspiring athlete, Adriana hopes to one day represent Malaysia as a runner. With her parents by her side, she feels that she can achieve anything that her heart desires. "I participated in about nine events this year,” she said, adding that she has also earned medals in school for running and high jump. When asked if there are any challenges that she faced when pursuing her dreams, she replied: "I don’t have any challenges in running; the challenge is just myself.”

As RHB Insurance is one of the official sponsors of Run for National Unity, Kong is pleased with this year’s outcome.

3.         Kong Shu Yin, CEO of RHB Insurance

Starting from last year’s Unity Run, Kong has been actively supporting the cause by being a participant himself. Growing up loving active sports, the 58-year-old runs regularly. "I run for health reasons to keep myself active. But now, I have less spare time to play sports, and so, I run instead,” he said of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. As RHB Insurance is one of the official sponsors of Run for National Unity, Kong is pleased with this year’s outcome. "To me, it’s for the public to run in unity. It brings everyone together for one common purpose,” he added.

Despite his disability and fragility of bones, Daniel persevered in being sports-active as a purpose in life.

4.         Daniel Lee, Motivational Speaker, Paralympic athlete

A man on a mission to succeed on two wheels, Lee saw the fruits of his labour when he collected the medal for third place in the OKU (disabled) category in this year’s run. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones disease). "It is an inherited condition. My dad and grandad had it too,” he explained. Describing his school life, Lee recalls remaining optimistic despite some bullying and discrimination. Nonetheless, he persevered in his love of sports to give himself a purpose in life. "I was quite active as a kid, but due to that, I fell down a lot. I have always tested myself through athletics,” he added. Lee aims to represent Malaysia as a Paralympian at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.