KUALA LUMPUR, 15 February 2012 – Energizer Malaysia launched the third annual Energizer Night Race today with the promise to re-inspire participants and consumers with a new theme – “For a Brighter World”.
This long-awaited announcement closely follows Energizer’s recent global launch of That’s Positivenergy, a major global initiative that changes the way the company engages consumers in working together to make a positive difference to the world.
This year’s race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit for the second time on the 21st of April this year, and will be open to 5,000 participants. The race will have three categories – 42km, 15.5km and 5.5km – which involve running on the iconic Sepang International Circuit racetrack in part or in its entirety.
Before unveiling the race registration website, Mr. Mike Foong, Managing Director of Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced that Twenty-First Century Sports Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the race organiser and director after considering feedback from previous participants as well as the company’s experience and track record. Twenty First Century Sports is a sports event specialist with an expertise in major road races and marathons, especially night races.
“We at Energizer Malaysia recognise how we can do better than before and deliver a world-class sporting event that embodies our aspirations and corporate responsibility. We have learnt a great deal from the previous two races, and will very actively oversee this year’s race organisation while working very closely with the race organiser and Sepang International Circuit, our venue partner.
“We sincerely thank all parties for the support and input since last year’s race and look forward to a better and improved Energizer Night Race 2012,” said Foong.
The Energizer Night Race is part of a global series of races that was first launched in South Africa in 2007, and has since been held in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The series’ new theme of “For a Brighter World” reflects a global partnership between Energizer and OneMillionLights.org to bring safe and clean solar lighting to people around the world who do not have access to electricity. Energizer’s worldwide operations are pledging to donate 11 million hours of light on behalf of all the registered runners worldwide.
Foong commented, “With the Energizer Night Race, we aim to bring our That’s Positivenergy campaign to life with our motto of ‘Keep Challenging, Keep Growing’, and to engage our consumers by sharing the excitement behind the brand.”
“The main goal of the Energizer Night Race 2012 is to create an opportunity for Malaysian runners to not only experience That’s Positivenergy and share the same race track as international motorsports superstars, but to also experience running at night with an Energizer headlight to light the way,” he added.
For the Malaysian race, Energizer will be partnering with the Malaysian District of Kiwanis, an international not-for-profit organisation well-known for its established initiatives such as the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and the Service Leadership Program (SLP), an international youth development program that provides leadership training.
Under the partnership, Energizer is pledging RM10 from every successful registration for the Energizer Night Race to children with disabilities and learning difficulties as well as children development and learning programs by Kiwanis Malaysia, totalling RM50,000 from an estimated 5,000 participants.
Energizer Malaysia is also planning to enhance the contribution by raising another RM210,000 through the sales of Energizer battery packs from March to May this year. With every pack sold, 30 sen will be set aside for the contribution to Kiwanis Malaysia.
In an added act of generosity, Energizer’s key distributors and business partners have pledged additional amounts that now puts the total charity contribution target at an impressive RM340,000.
In his speech, Mr. Ng Bee Keong, Governor of Kiwanis Malaysia, said, “We welcome this invaluable partnership with Energizer Malaysia, and are indeed indebted to Energizer Malaysia for partnering with Kiwanis Malaysia to spread the spirit of giving to our Malaysia community.”
“The various fund-raising initiatives in conjunction with the Energizer Night Race will benefit our 20 permanent Kiwanis Centres that serve and educate children and youths living with disabilities, as well as our ‘Going to School with Kiwanis’ programme that equips primary schoolchildren from poor families with a dictionary to inspire them to excel in school,” he added.
The upcoming race is a key component of That’s Positivenergy’s implementation in Malaysia, and highlights Energizer’s legacy of category leadership in bringing responsible portable power to the marketplace while being rooted in the company’s commitment to providing longer lasting batteries that help to reduce waste.
“Energizer recognises that consumers are placing greater emphasis on responsibility for themselves, the community and the environment as a whole. That’s why we are reaching out to consumers with new, unique initiatives as we believe everyone has the power to make a positive impact in our own community and beyond,” said Foong.
“We strongly urge participants, our trade partners and consumers to support this initiative and the life-changing opportunities it will provide for children throughout Malaysia, giving them the power for a brighter future,” he concluded.
The public can register for participation in the Energizer Night Race by visiting the website at www.energizernightrace.com.my.