KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2009 - Yayasan Sime Darby today announced its sponsorship of RM25,000 in support of 66 year old Mohamed Adnan bin Osman who will participate in the “toughest footrace on earth”, also known as the Marathon Des Sables (MDS).

This grueling 6 day race will take place in Morocco from 26th of March to 2nd of April. Over 800 runners aged between 16 and 78 are expected to cross 243km of uneven terrain in the Sahara desert, carrying everything they need on their backs in scorching temperatures of up to 120F (48.8° C).

Adnan, better known as Cikgu Adnan, is a veteran of marathons belying his 66 years. He has competed in 12 marathons, scaled 12 mountains and he is determined to make up for missing the 9,000km Kuala Lumpur-Beijing cycling race last year. “Like all other competitors, I am doing the Sahara Marathon not for the prize money, but for the sheer gratification,” he said. He added that for their efforts, runners would gain a trophy, a commemorative t-shirt, a certificate and winners stand to win prize money of nearly RM23,000.

Yayasan Sime Darby council member, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin said Adnan was to be admired for his tenacity and courage. “This is not the type of endeavour an ordinary person will be able to accomplish and we admire Adnan for his courage.” Tan Sri Zahid said. Adnan will be only the third Malaysian to compete in this grueling race and is relishing the opportunity of putting his body to the test. “I am confident that I will complete the race. I have been training consistently, sacrificing even reunion dinners with my family recently in favour of my training,” said Adnan recently. This ex-smoker says he feels fitter now than 20 years ago and he hopes that his example will encourage others to quit the habit and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Most competitors in the race will raise funds for charities of their choice and Adnan is no different – he will raise funds for the Malaysian Aids Foundation.

“I am indeed very grateful to Sime Darby for this sponsorship. It is only with their support that I have the opportunity to compete in the MDS. To me, their contribution and support really epitomizes the true meaning of corporate social responsibility,” Adnan added.

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