By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: “We are touched and still can’t believe this victory,” said Ira Syafarina Asrul Effendi, 28, leader of the Spark team, who emerged as champions of the From Ipoh With Love Explorace 2023 (FIWL Explorace 2023) on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Armed with self-determination and teamwork, the Spark team completed all the given tasks flawlessly.
“We feel touched and almost unable to believe this victory. Initially, we were nervous and just trying our luck.
“We practised cooperation and mutual trust, with a spirit of understanding as the core of our team.
“In addition to the challenging tasks, we were also thrilled by the uniqueness of the city of Ipoh, surrounded by the beauty of limestone hills and the friendliness of its people.
“Although I am originally from Ipoh, there are still many places that I have yet to explore because I moved to Kedah following my husband,” she said, representing her two team members, her husband Mohd Hazwan Rosli, 28, and their friend Mohd Khairulnizam Mohd Suhini, 39.
The Spark team completed all the tasks at 1:25 p.m., qualifying them to receive a cash prize of RM1500.00.
The runner-up, the Black Hawk team, had to accept a two-minute delay at 1:27 p.m. and received RM800. Third place, Sekutu Yangyang, received RM500 by finishing the game at 1:29 p.m.
Participants were given a total of 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Each team had to complete tasks at eight designated “Check Points” within the given time frame.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ipoh City Sports Club, Radin Afifi Ahmad Aruani, stated that the participation this year was highly encouraging and involved people from various ethnicities.
“This event is held in conjunction with the 35th Anniversary of Ipoh City. I hope that next year there will be even more participation and support from sponsors.
“Thank you to MBI, especially the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, for organizing the FIWLE 2023.
“In addition to being a challenging and healthy sport, this program has successfully showcased tourism products around the city to help promote Visit Ipoh 2023 and Visit Perak 2024,” he said.
The release of 195 participants from 65 teams was officiated by the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, at the Ipoh City Square at 8:30 a.m.
The prizes were presented by the City Secretary, Ahmad Munir Ishak.
Before that, the lucky draw prizes were also handed out by Radin Amir Afifi.
