The challenge of keeping physical distancing and observing the Covid-19 regulations continue to throw novel ideas to the people about how to have get-togethers and celebrate important occasions.
Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ), an active group of the expatriates, recently celebrated two of their national days by organising cycling event at newly completed world record holding trach – Qatar Olympic Cycle Track.
The Malaysian expatriates recently observed their 63rd Independence Day (Merdeka) and the 57th Malaysia Day. The theme for the Independence Day this year was – Malaysia Prihatin – means Malaysia Caring. The theme highlights the care and concern Malaysian Government has for the citizens.
In compliance with the Qatar Government’s regulations related to the Covid-19, the group gathered as many as 30 participants including children and women. The cyclists started their ride from Qatar University and ended at Al Bayt Stadium Al Khor, covering the distance of 33 kilometers on the one side.
Mohammad Redzuan Nordin, President of MAQ, said: “We delayed our programme till September as the government further relaxed the virus related rules. As it is not safe to have large gatherings indoor, we decided to arrange the cycling evet. The members appreciated it as they celebrated the important days along with doing some healthy physical activity.”
All of the participants could not complete the long distance as there were many children and elderly. “Over 30 Malaysian took part in the event. The youngest participant was six-year-old and the oldest one was 63 year old. As many as 20 participants completed the distance. The rest of the cyclists cut short their journey,” Redzuan said.
He added: “Such events are organised by MAQ to bring the Malaysians together especially through outdoor sports activities. Also recently we held a motorbike riding event. Two Malaysian motorbike groups – Gang Gurun and Bikers Kental – with 18 motorbikes held the ride event starting from Woqod stations near Airport Road, passing through Villagio Park area, Salwa Road and completing at Holiday Villa Hotel.”
Yusry Jusoh, a participant and cycling enthusiast, said: “It was a beautiful ride on the newly built track. It was a 66 kilometer long obstruction free ride as there is no traffic on the track. There are beautiful landscapes that cyclists observe during the ride. We passed through six beautiful underpasses. There are water stations available for the cyclists on the way.”
The Malaysian cyclist added: “I along with my group completed the track. We stayed some time at the park that is constructed at the end of the track in Al Khor. The event serves us two purposes. One was to have the get together and the other was to have some outdoor physical activity.”
