3 August 2013 marked an unforgettable day to all the young participants of Midnight Football (MF) – many of them were overjoyed; it was their first time going to a theme park and their first experience of dining in a hotel. This fun-filled and memorable trip was made possible by Resorts World Genting, the Department of National Unity and Integration and also Global Peace Festival (GPF) Malaysia.
This one-day trip to Genting Highlands was participated by 40 MF youngsters together with staff members from GPF Malaysia and coaches of MF as well.
Fun Rides and Thrill @Genting Outdoor Theme Park
The youngsters went on their first carousal ride at Genting Outdoor Theme Park.
The youngsters went on their first carousal ride at Genting Outdoor Theme Park.
Upon the group’s arrival at Genting Outdoor Theme Park in the afternoon, the youngsters were thrilled to be given the opportunity to enjoy various theme park rides and games while enjoying the cool mountain air. Resorts World Genting sponsored a total of 50 theme park tickets as a pleasant surprise for the youngsters whom did not have the opportunity to visit any theme parks before.
“I was really excited but a bit frightened at the same time at the prospect of going on the fun and extreme rides at the theme park. With newfound courage, I enjoyed going on the rollercoaster, flying coaster, space shot and bumper cars. For me, this is a dream come true!” exclaimed Rahmat, MF participant who came from the urban poor areas in Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur. “It is my first time at a theme park and it will definitely be one of my most splendid memories ever!”
Ramadhan Buffet @Rajawali Coffeehouse, Resorts World Awana
After the fun rides, the MF youngsters were feted with sumptuous ‘buka puasa’ buffet dinner at Resorts World Awana’s Rajawali Coffeehouse. The event was graced by Tan Sri Datin Paduka Seri Zaleha Hjh Ismail, Chairman of GPF Malaysia; Dr Teh Su Thye, CEO of GPF Malaysia; Mr Ho Khek Hua, Deputy Director-General (Planning) of Department of National Unity and Integration and Ms Katherine Chew,Vice President of Public Relations and Communications Resorts World Genting.
Speaking on the meaningful ‘buka puasa’ program, Ms Katherine Chew said that she is concerned with the wellbeing of the urban poor youngsters. “Their recent community service projects shown commendable efforts. I hope that they will treasure this opportunity to enjoy Genting Theme Park, the good food and the moments they spent with their fellow friends. I hope they will all continue to grow into exemplary young lads in the future!
Tan Sri Datin Paduka Seri Zaleha Hjh Ismail, Chairman GPF Malaysia presenting a token of appreciation to Ms Katherine Chew, Vice President of PR & Communications Resorts World Genting. Looking on is Dr Teh Su Thye, CEO GPF Malaysia (left) and Mr Ho Khek Hua, Deputy Director-General (Planning), Department of National Unity and Integration (right).
With the assistance from their futsal coaches, the youngsters prepared and performed two songs at the ‘buka puasa’ event, including ‘Hari Yang Ku Nanti’ and ‘Suatu Hari Di Hari Raya’.
In conjunction with the Ramadhan spirit, the Department of National Unity and Integration also gave out ‘duit raya’ to the youngsters in preparation for the upcoming festive. “I am glad with the positive changes in all of you. If this can change you, then you can change your family. And then one day you can go out and change others’ lives and bring about more positive changes to the society!” said Mr Ho Khek Hua to the young participants of MF.
(From Left) Midnight Football participants Fauzan, Fahmy, Rahmat and Iqbal together with Alice Cornwell, Program Director of Midnight Football (center).
Mohd Iqbal, MF participant says:
“I was excited and really look forward to this trip when Alice (Program Director of Midnight Football) told us that we will be heading to Genting Highlands for a ‘buka puasa’ dinner. Recently our group initiated our first community service project in our life time and it thought us the values of living for the greater good, which was previously an alien thought for us. When we were being told that Resorts World Genting and the Department of National Unity and Integration not only acknowledged our efforts but also gave us the opportunity to visit Genting Theme Park and a good dinner as a form of encouragement – we were all so over-whelmed!”
Fatin Nadia, MF participant says:
“I am very happy to be here. It was my first time visiting Genting Highlands – my first experience at a theme park and dining in the hotel. I got to play many games and fun rides and the chance to break fast with my friends, futsal coaches and the team from GPF Malaysia who has been organizing Midnight Football. MF has changed me. I used to ‘lepak’ and waste time; now I have learnt to spend time wisely and be more productive!”
Nurul Shahirah, MF participant says:
“I never dream of coming to Genting Highlands! When I’m given the chance, I am so excited and speechless! The rides are amazing, and being able to spend these awesome moments with my new found friends made it even more valuable for me. My appreciation and gratitude to everyone who made this possible – is more than words!”
Tan Sri Zaleha also exclaimed her gratitude to the organizers and sponsors on behalf of GPF Malaysia and the MF youngsters. “We have witness that how NGO, government agency and the corporate sector can come together hand-in-hand for the young people in our society via this event. Not only the young teens of MF learnt and developed responsibility but all of us too as members of the society and that we can always contribute back for a good cause.”
MF youngsters were delighted with the theme park tickets, goodie bags and dinner sponsored by Resorts World Genting; FiGOS shoe bags gifted by FiGOS Sports and the ‘duit raya’ by Department of National Unity and Integration.
GPF Malaysia would like express our appreciation and gratitude to those who made this event possible:
- Department of National Unity and Integration of the Prime Minister’s Department
- Resorts World Genting, PR & Communications Department
- FiGOS Sdn Bhd
