DECEMBER mass walking events aim to strengthen national health and to encourage a full national sporting spirit through public participation. The firstweek event was held yesterday morning, with Union Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung joining Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and his wife, regional ministers and their wives, Director-General U Myo Kyaw Thu of the Union Minister’s Office, officials from the Department of Sports and Physical Education, officials from the Yangon Region Hluttaw Office and various departments, district and township authorities, invitees, residents from multiple townships, teachers from the University of Nursing, Thingangyun TTC and Yankin TTC, and students from the Department of Sports and Physical Institute (Yangon). At 5:30 am, the Union minister initiated the event by firing the starting gun. Participants began their walk from the People’s Square near Pyay Road, proceeded along Ahlon Road and U Wizara Road, and returned to the People’s Square to complete the combined physical fitness routines in groups one and two. Around two thousand people took part in the walk, and breakfast was served after the ceremony.
Afterwards, the Union minister and his team travelled to the Inya Road training camp of the Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation. He watched training sessions for traditional boat events and the men’s and women’s ten-paddler crews preparing for the 500 metre and 200 metre races for the XXXIII Southeast Asian Games. He also observed training in international boat events, including women’s four-person crew, women’s two-person crew, men’s single sculls and men’s double sculls. During the visit, he instructed federation leaders, coaches and athletes to address requirements and to strive for gold medals.
The Union minister then proceeded to the Theinbyu Gymnasium in Mingala Taungnyunt Township, where he watched training sessions of elite athletes and Kickboxing competitors.
He later visited the Myanmar Shooting Federation in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, where he observed national athletes training in the 10 metre air rifle, 50 metre three-position, 10 metre air pistol, and 25 metre sport pistol disciplines. He also visited the Myanmar Equestrian Federation in the same township. Officials briefed him on preparations for Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country events, which together form Eventing categories to be contested at the XXXIII South-East Asia Games. The Union Minister coordinated the necessary support and encouraged athletes to aim for higher standards and to secure the expected gold medals at the Games.
MNA/KZL
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