UC Students Host “ASEAN Fun-Run: We Run for a Green Space”

By Mom Sary

On October 23, 2011, students at the University of Cambodia (UC) hosted the event “ASEAN Fun-Run: We Run for a Green Space” at Diamond Island City. Over 500 students from UC and other universities joined the ASEAN Fun-Run event, which included a half-marathon in the early morning followed by a student performance which featured dancing, singing, and skits. The event served to promote awareness about environmental and health issues. Under the guidance of Gina Lopez, Associate Dean for the College of Management, a group of volunteer UC students majoring in Public Relations initiated and organized this activity, including all of the fundraising, event-planning, and advertising.

Members of the UC Executive Team

H.E. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC and Adviser to Samdech Techo Prime Minister, delivered the keynote address at the ASEAN Fun-Run. He said that the event was important for students to understand for two primary reasons: first because Cambodia will host the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2012, and secondly, because running and sports are good for healthy living. Health is a primary concern for everyone, he continued to say, and if people have weak health, it will be difficult for them to contribute to society.

The first three male and female students out of about 300 entrants who completed the ASEAN Fun-Run won medals and prizes, which were donated by numerous sponsors.

Associate Dean Gina Lopez and members of the organizing committee

The event was an enormous success, and all of the proceeds were given to Mlub Baitong, a local NGO that promotes awareness about environmental issues.

Chanty Pisal, UC student and UC Student Senate (UCSS) President, attended the event and said, “I was really happy because. . .[the event]. . .contributed to a social cause and promoted awareness about ASEAN, and it was very important for my health.”

The top three male finishers were awarded medals and prizes.

Prior to the ASEAN Fun-Run, the student organizers hosted a UC ASEAN Slogan Competition. The group received 20 submissions from UC students and selected the winning slogan and design, “ASEAN Fun-Run: We Run for a Green Space.” The slogan and design appeared on the t-shirts that students wore at the event. Slogans had to relate to issues surrounding health, society, and the environment.

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC, presented the medal to the 1st Place female runner.

According to Associate Dean Gina Lopez, the purpose of this project was to promote awareness about ASEAN. Through the slogan competition and the ASEAN Fun-Run, students gained knowledge about the different opportunities linking ASEAN nations with environmental issues. Moreover, she continued, countries around the world, including Cambodia, are very concerned about environmental issues and how to adapt to climate change, so promoting greater awareness about these issues is very important.

Source: UC Bulletin December 2011, Page 25