KLF organises “Revitalisation of Our Indigenous Languages” solidarity run on June 18

Philip (seated 4th left) during the press conference.

7 February 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

PENAMPANG: A Solidarity Run for “Revitalization of Our Indigenous Languages” will be held on June 18 (Sunday).

The event organised by Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) is held in conjunction with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022 2032).

KLF Chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang said, the run will be KLF’s first-ever fundraising run event, and is collaborating with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals throughout Sabah.

“The run will start at 7am, with registration starting at 6am. The flag-off and finishing points will be at the Penampang District Council Field, and the run's distance is about 5km.

“We are targeting 2,000 participants and hope that we will be able to collect more than RM200,000.00 from this fundraising event,” said Philip who is also the charity run organising chairman in a press conference today.

The General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed the period between 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032).

Philip said, this decade aims to draw global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages worldwide, and encourage action for the preservation, revitalization and promotion of Indigenous languages. UNESCO leads global efforts.

“Therefore, KLF in responding to the global call-in effort to preserve, develop and promote the use of the indigenous language in Sabah, takes this initiative to organise this event and invites all organisations that are involved in maintaining, revitalizing and promoting indigenous languages to come together in solidarity through this fundraising event.

Explaining further, Philip said the run is open to the public, and is divided into ten categories, namely male student below 12 years old, female student below 12 years old, male student 13 to 17 years old, female student 13 to 17 years old, men’s open 18 to 40 years old, women’s open 18 to 40 years old.

Additionally, the run also includes categories for men’s veteran 41 to 50 years old, women’s veteran 41 to 50 years old, men’s senior 51 years old and above, women’s senior 51 years old and above, as well as super senior 70 years old and above.

The mode of collection for this run is through a public collection using Donation Cards with RM50.00 each. Holders of donation cards are eligible for a cap, and participate in the run and a raffle draw. Fantastic prizes await the winners and lucky participants.

“Apart from raising funds and awareness of our indigenous language, I hope that this event will also promote a healthy lifestyle.

“KLF also welcomes contributions and sponsorships from the community, network partners and supporters towards this call to action to contribute and support efforts for the revitalization of mother tongue and indigenous languages,” he said.

For further information on the event , please contact KLF office at: Tel: 088-724852, 012-814 0903, 014-6703585 or email: klf6392g@gmail.com