Bangkok to host KL SEA Games baton run on April 1

Thousands of people are expected to participate in the "Rising Together Baton Run" in Bangkok on April 1.

The baton run is a precursor to the 29th SEA Games and 9th ASEAN Para Games which Kuala Lumpur will be hosting this year.

The SEA Games will be held from Aug 19- 31 while the ASEAN Para Games Sept 17-Sept 23.

According to Thailand's Sports and Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, it was a great honour for the country to play host to the baton run which she described as a "great event."

"The baton run presents a chance for everybody to participate in a sporting event. It is also a time for everybody to celebrate sports and the ASEAN Community," she said at a ceremony to announce the Baton Run at Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) here today.

Her Malaysian counterpart, Khairy Jamaluddin is expected to join thousands of participants during the Bangkok leg of the "Rising Together Baton Run.

Kobkarn expressed her confidence that Khairy's commitment and creativity will ensure the objective to instill sports in everyone's life throughout the region will be achieved.

Meanwhile, deputy chief of mission Malaysia's embassy in Bangkok, Mohd Faizal Razali expressed the Malaysian government's heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to the Thai government for hosting the event.

Malaysia, he said, was very excited and looking forward to the Bangkok leg of the Baton Run, which is expected to be the grandest "Rising Together Baton Run" events in Southeast Asian.

Malaysia said Mohd Faizal was truly grateful and thankful to the unyielding support by Thailand in making sure the event is a success, which will contribute to the awareness and promotion of Kuala Lumpur SEA Games 2017.

"Kuala Lumpur 2017 will be landmark occassion and a source of pride for all Malaysians, as we mark the 60th anniversary of our nation's independence, which at the same time coincides with the 60th Anniversay of diplomatic relation between Malaysia and Thailand," he said.

Mohd Faizal also invited all Thais to attend the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games. - BERNAMA