Lion Day With PDRM - IV

LIONS DAY WITH THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN POLICE   

Larian Amal PDRM-LIONS - 3/5/1998

The charity run at Dataran Merdeka on 3rd May 1998 was jointly organized by the PDRM and the Lions Club. The fun run was well attended by nearly 5,000 participants of all races and ages.

'Are you ready?'

Datuk Jamil Johari, the Bukit Aman Management Director, started off the first cohort of runners with a loud bang from the starter’s gun. I was invited to “fire-away” the second cohort. As a greenhorn in firearms, I gamely lifted up the starter’s pistol and face it skyward. Then, I pulled hard on the pistol trigger … but nothing happened!  All eyes (5,000 pairs, in fact!) were on me. Red-faced, I tried again but to no avail. Datuk Jamil Johari who was standing next to me whispered to me that the pistol was still cocked. How was I supposed to know that? Lion Michael Tham, DC for Lions Day with PDRM, was luckier as he started the third cohort group. The next day, the Sun Newspaper caption read, “Charity run takes off after false starts”. A lesson learned. Organizers must give the necessary briefings!

After the prize presentation, a group photograph of the winners.

The fun run ended at the Lake Gardens where a potpourri of activities awaited the participants. The run had coincided with the Police Family Day Celebrations. After prizes and lucky draws were presented, the Police and Lions’ fraternity were treated to wholesome family entertainment, fun-fair games, and a variety of food stalls. I sportingly gave the "Teh Tarik" and Coconut-Shaving" competition a go. There was also free-eye screening and blood tests.

Eye screening for the families of the police personnel. 

Participating a 'teh tarik' competition. Not bad, taste good!

Coconut shaving looks easy. Now my turn..

I noted with pride that all went well as the objectives of the run and Family Day were achieved. As for the embarrassment to the false starts, I would like to quote the proverb, “to err is human, to forgive divine”.