KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Sept. 2017 – The Orchid Run & Ride 2017, held today in Kuala Lumpur, successfully raised over RM340,000, surpassing the target of RM250,000 set by the organisers, the Association of Wives and Women Staff of PETRONAS (PETRONITA).

This has enabled PETRONITA to add the Mobile Dental Clinic for Special Needs Children, a project by the Dental Faculty of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), to its list of beneficiaries.

The other receiving charitable bodies include the Paediatric & Congenital Heart Centre (PCHC) of the National Heart Institute (IJN), Institut Telinga Pendengaran dan Pertuturan (Institute-HEARS) and Spastic Children's Association of Selangor & Federal Territory.

Today's Orchid Run & Ride, held at Persiaran KLCC, was its third edition and was organised in collaboration with PETRONAS. 

"Through Orchid Run & Ride 2017, we wish to drive the message of 'Making each step matter', to remind everyone that a little goes a long way, and that together we can help the less fortunate while at the same time promoting a healthy living lifestyle.

"Proceeds from today's event will be channelled to four charitable bodies that PETRONITA has been working closely with," said President of PETRONITA, Puan Sri Dr Azura Ahmad Tajuddin.

The event's proceeds were presented to the representatives from the four bodies by Puan Sri Dr Azura and witnessed by PETRONAS President & Group CEO, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin during the event's officiating ceremony.
Orchid Run & Ride 2017 drew the participation of over 6,500 runners and cyclists which included members of the public, PETRONAS staff and management. Also present to lend their support was the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and its driver, Valtteri Bottas, who also took part in the run.

This year, the response has been very encouraging with oversubscribed registration in advance for all categories. There are two main categories, namely Category A – 12km Run: Men's & Women's Open (open to ages 16 years and above); and two sub categories under Category B, namely the 5km Fun Run (open to ages 7 years and above) and 5km Fun Ride (open to ages 12 years and above).

Aside from the run and ride, participants were also entertained by local talents such as Joe Flizzow, Psychusix and String Quartet by Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.  Two of the beneficiaries also performed during the event, namely the Percussion Band by the Spastic Children's Association of Selangor & Federal Territory and Rhythmic Gymrama by Institute-HEARS. Celebrities including Daphne Iking and Atilia Haron also lent their support by making special appearances.

"PETRONITA would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success. With the support from the participants, sponsors, partners, volunteers, PETRONITA members and everyone involved, we were able to achieve this remarkable outcome.

"I hope that everyone had fun today while 'making each step matter'.  We look forward to seeing all of you next year," said Puan Sri Dr Azura.

Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team's driver, Valtteri Bottas, participating in the 5km Fun Run at Orchid Run & Ride 2017.

President of PETRONITA, Puan Sri Dr Azura Ahmad Tajuddin (middle) and PETRONAS President & Group CEO, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin (right) participating in the 5km Fun Ride at Orchid Run & Ride 2017.

Participants of Orchid Run & Ride 2017 at Persiaran KLCC.

President of PETRONITA, Puan Sri Dr Azura Ahmad Tajuddin (2nd from right) and PETRONAS President & Group CEO, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin (right) with representatives from the Paediatric & Congenital Heart Centre (PCHC) of the National Heart Institute (IJN), one of the recipients of proceeds from Orchid Run & Ride 2017.

Participants of Orchid Run & Ride 2017 enjoying the performances by Malaysian hip-hop artist, Joe Flizzow.