Patriotic attendees of all ages at the National Day aerobics event at Penang City Park in George Town.
ONE of the longest-running aerobic exercise groups in Penang has been active since 1982.
However, it is now facing challenges.
Penang Fitness Association’s aerobics classes run by founder Jeorge Subramaniam have been conducted weekly, except during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the National Day celebrations this year, the group held an event at Penang City Park (formerly Youth Park) located at Persiaran Kuari in George Town.
The group has been celebrating all national and cultural festivities including Hari Raya, Christmas and Chinese New Year, with this year being no different.
Close to 200 association members and friends, from youngsters to senior citizens, turned up from 8am to join in the festive activity, which was also attended by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid as guest of honour.
Jeorge said the association had many loyal members in their 40s up to their 80s who have been keeping healthy due to their participation in the exercise events and “are healthy and fit to this day”.
“It also helps to keep people of all races and ages friendly besides keeping the Malaysian spirit of togetherness alive,” added Jeorge, who has been awarded many national accolades for his contributions to wellness.
However, he said this was not possible without the help of the relevant bodies.
The challenges now faced by the community group’s aerobics classes, which are scheduled for 8am on Sundays and 6pm on Wednesdays, include the park being cordoned off to prevent vehicle entry.
This has resulted in a drop in the number of participants for the weekly aerobic sessions.
The impending cable car project, which starts from nearby Jalan Waterfall to Penang Hill, is also expected to further cause a drop in park-goer numbers.
PAUL TOH
Tanjung Bungah, Penang
