Salt Trail Challenge aims to raise RM50K
Kota Kinabalu: The fifth edition of the Salt Trail Challenge aims to raise RM50,000 this year, said its race coordinator Jerry Ong.
He said the challenge, a fundraising event at the historical Salt Trail at Crocker Range Park to be held on Oct 27, managed to raised RM35,837 last year.
"The event, held in collaboration with Sabah Parks, Sabah Amateur Radio Society (SARS) and Pacos Trust, aims to generate funds to support the activities organised by Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter all year round for the people in the State," he told a press conference here, Wednesday.
Traditionally, Ong said, the Salt Trail served as a route used by Tambunan folks to bring their produce to the tamu (markets) for barter trade. Salt was the most commonly traded product, resulting in the route being known as the Salt Trail.
"The challenge promises a different experience altogether because it connects people with nature, as well as serve as a platform for participants to interact with the local community along the trail.
"Trekkers and nature lovers would love this challenge."
The challenge, themed "Trail of Hope", is divided into two categories – Men's Open and Women's Open, and each category is available in distances of 16 kilometres or 25 kilometres.
The 16-kilometre challenge will cover the route to and from Inobong Substation to Pogigimpaan hut, while the 25-kilometre challenge will cover the route to and from Inobong Substation to Kampung Terian.
"Participants interested to spend the night in Inobong Substation before the challenge begins can do so by contacting Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter office to arrange for accommodation," he said.
Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin Tengku Mahamood said the race can promote adventure tourism in the State.
"I also urged corporate teams to not only contribute in terms of funds but also participate and experience the trail for themselves as Mercy Malaysia has been doing a great job here where they have good track record with the locals in the interior," he said.
Meanwhile, Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter Chairman Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam said fundraising events such as the annual Salt Trail Challenge served to provide the financial support much needed by the Chapter to fund its activities.
"Committed to serve the people of Sabah, Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter has been providing primary healthcare services for the communities since its establishment in 2003 in the State.
"The Chapter has conducted more than 100 mobile outreach clinics as well as Disaster Relief Reduction (DRR) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) projects throughout Sabah," he said.
He also disclosed that currently, there are about 200 active volunteers of the Chapter in the State.
The public can contribute help to the Chapter by joining the challenge by paying the entry fee or raise funds using donation card which can be collected at the Chapter's office.
All fees and donation cards should be submitted by Sept 28, and for more information contact the Chapter's office at 088-272 667 or Ivy (016-840 0208) or Edna (019-311 6182). - Ricardo Unto
Source: Daily Express
