After being called off last year due to Covid-19, National Sports Day (NSD) is set to make a highly anticipated comeback tomorrow following easing of MCO restrictions.
NSD's objective, since its introduction in 2015, has always been about promoting an active lifestyle to Malaysians via sports, in line with the goal of becoming a full-fledged sporting nation.
National Youth and Sports Department Director General Datuk Dr Wasitah Mohd Yusof, said this year's NSD celebrations will also play an important role to help uplift the spirits of the nation.
Roughly 2.5 million people are expected to participate in this year's NSD, mostly through activities conducted virtually.
"The various lockdowns and restrictions we have faced over the past 18 months have been tough on everyone," said Dr. Wasitah.
"I believe Malaysians are looking forward to NSD this year, as many restrictions have been lifted recently and we are able to resume almost all sports activities.
"We are hoping that NSD will help uplift the spirits of the nation and also remind us of the importance of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle, not only during NSD but throughout the year.
"At the same time we must not let our guard down in the fight against Covid-19.
Dr Wasitah said the Sports Ministry are aiming for more participation from various target groups which may have been less involved in sports previously.
"The Sports Ministry is targeting 2.5 million people to be involved in NSD this year, and to achieve that we have identified a number of target groups which include family, children, women, youth, the disabled as well as senior citizens.
"We have prepared a number of virtual programmes for the public to take part in, these include the Mega Aerobic Challenge, NSD21 Fit and Active, NSD21 Virtual Run as well as the NSD21 Fitness Challenge.
"Local communities are also encouraged to conduct suitable activities on their own while abiding to SOPs.
They can register on the NSD portal. The ministry will provide an e-certificate for all those who are involved," said Dr Wasitah who added that the Sports Ministry are working with both the public and private sector to make NSD a success.
Those interested in participating may visit www.harisukannegara.my for more information.