Yangon, Myanmar, 12th December 2012 – Yoma Strategic Holdings CEO Andrew Rickards will slip off his suit and into his singlet to support charity in Yangon, Myanmar on 27th January 2013.
Mr. Rickards, 48, has a strong athletic background in sailing, skiing and triathlons. He, along with many of his colleagues, have taken it upon themselves to make a positive contribution to Myanmar’s future by revealing their athletic strengths.
“I am extremely passionate about supporting charitable projects in Myanmar and encouraging health and fitness within the community. The response the event organisers have received for this event is overwhelming,” said Mr. Rickards.
Athletes do not run with money in their pockets but hope in their heart and dreams in their head. Andrew Rickards will run this 42km race in the pursuit of serving the social and economic development of Yangon, Myanmar in a more direct way in 2013.
The marathon’s charities include World Vision Myanmar, Muslim Free Hospital and Medical Relief Society, Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blind, Mingalar Youth Development Parahita School and Parahita Training School for Boys run by the Department of Social Welfare.
David Shin, of race organisers Sporting Republic, said: “We are delighted to be organising this event for the first time. Not only is it a great opportunity to raise awareness for the selected charities but the money raised will go directly towards their programmes, enabling them to continue contributing to the lives of some of Myanmar’s most vulnerable people.”
Prize money will be presented to the first five males and first five females to cross the finish line of both the 42km Marathon and the 10km Challenge. Total prize money for the event is US$13,400.
To learn more about the YOMA Yangon International Marathon, visit www.yangomarathon.com.
About Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd. (www.yomastrategic.com)
Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Securities Exchange Trading Limited (SGX-ST), Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd. is one of Myanmar’s leading companies, with real estate, agriculture and automobile dealership businesses based in Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China. Together with its partner, the SPA Group, the group adheres to a conglomerate model in its efforts to build a diversified portfolio of businesses in Myanmar.