The 2023 Women Run 10K – with the theme “Women in Leadership” – held to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 – saw hundreds of delighted runners cross the finish line in front of Phnom Penh’s Wat Botumvatey Park.
More than 1,500 people took part in the event, which was organised by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) in collaboration with Sovannaphum Life Assurance.
The medal ceremony was presided over by HE Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the NOCC, Lok Chumteav Koy Pisey, secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism and head of the women and sport commission, and Sovannaphum Life Assurance CEO Loke Kah Meng. HE Vath Chamroeun, who is also secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism, said the NOCC’s collaboration with Sovannaphum Life Assurance had resulted in the successful organising of the 2023 Women Run 10K event.
“The more than 1,500 runners – both national and international – are very happy after having had a wonderful time. And we are delighted to have partnered with Sovannaphum Life Assurance to again hold the Women Run 10K after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 crisis. “A great number of people participated in this year’s event, which helps promote equal rights and empowers women to participate in sporting activities.
“This running event also celebrates Cambodia’s journey towards hosting the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games in May and June of this year,” Chamroeun said.
Lok Chumteav Koy Pisey said International Women’s Day on March 8 commemorated the struggle for equal rights for women, essential for a thriving society.
“The 2023 Women Run 10K – held on the 112nd International Women’s Day – was participated in by a large number of men and women, and in any healthy society, there must be unity between men and women to create harmony.
“With this sporting event helping to promote improved wellbeing, it is important that the public, especially women, participate in more sports activities for better health – and when people are healthy, society grows accordingly,” she said.
Sovannaphum Life Assurance CEO Loke Kah Meng said the leading life insurance company with financial strength and trust was proud to support the event as well as promote gender equality.
“We are pleased to have been able to work with the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia in organising the 2023 Women Run 10K this year, while a large number of people participated in the 4km fun run with family and friends.
“Sovannaphum Life Assurance, the main sponsor of this run event, is proud to support and promote equal opportunities in Cambodian society, whereby both women and men can be equally successful in their careers and fully expand their potential,” he said.
Sovannaphum Life, he added, is also contributing 4,000 riel for each registered runner to fund its corporate social responsibility activities through NGOs the Women Entrepreneurs Act and the Lady Saving Group (LSG).
Sovannaphum Life is working with LSG on a sustainable approach to its social activities with funds raised from the Women Run 10K event.
The majority of the funds will be provided to five woman entrepreneurs through LSG with interest-free micro-business loans to support their enterprises.
Another part will go to supporting LSG’s training activities and seminars programme on entrepreneur leadership to engage and support young women entrepreneurs to help grow their micro businesses and enhance living standards locally in the community.
Yan Chakriya, who placed first in the 4km run, said she was delighted to have taken part in the event this year. “The Women Run 10K is a fantastic event, and taking part in the 4km run with family and friends was great fun.
“It is also an amazing experience to participate in a race with such a large number of runners.
“I look forward to next year’s event, and having completed the 4km run, I think I will participate in the 10km race as a new experience,” she said.
About Sovannaphum Life
Sovannaphum Life Assurance Plc is a subsidiary of Canadia Investment Holdings (CIH) with total assets of more than US$8.8 billion and a legacy since 1991. Sovannaphum Life, a life insurance company with financial strength and trust, has been recognized as the “Fastest-Growing Life Insurance Company Cambodia” for four consecutive years – 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 – by the London, UK-based Global Banking and Finance Review. It was also awarded Most Innovative Life Insurance Company Cambodia 2021 by International Business Magazine, which is headquartered in the UAE.