Story of a Trailing Spouse: ASEAN Jogathon 2008

Pardisan Eco-Park, Tehran

Salaam,

During the last four years, our embassy has been the country coordinator for jogathon, one of the sport events organized by the ASEAN Sports and Cultural Committee (ASCC) of Tehran. Other events i.e. tennis, badminton, table tennis and bowling are also organized by the other ASEAN missions respectively.

Working within the constraint of small staff members, Alhamdulillah, we had nevertheless managed to organize this much-anticipated events and curtain-raiser of the ASEAN summer games over the last four consecutive years. Many thanks and appreciation to all members of the embassy, especially to our hard working ladies, as well as for all the assistance and cooperation rendered by the ASCC.

In 2005 and 2008, the events were held at the Pardisan Eco-park. It is one of the main public parks with vast garden, mini zoo and other recreational facilities ever built within the Tehran municipality. Whilst in 2006 and 2007, we hosted the event at Azadi jogging track located nearby the famous Azadi football stadium and sports complex. Both of these premises provide excellent facilities for all kinds of sports and recreation for the general public with its beautiful natural environment of artificial lakes, greeneries and breathtaking sceneries. More significantly, at least it provides us with the much needed supply of precious fresh air which is hard to come by in the hustle and bustle of this metropolis.

The event usually commenced with a warming-up ‘aerobic’ session. We were lucky to have two very skillful staff member who always volunteered to lead the session. The race is usually divided into six categories namely for the ambassadors and their spouses, men and ladies, and for the boys and girls under fifteen. Naturally, the children seem to be the one to have the most fun and excitement of the day.

Sports aside, I think this is yet another of that great occasion very much looked forward to by everyone to be in the circle of friends and compatriots. There is always a sense of satisfaction derived from being together in the company of the larger ASEAN family. Even more so for the trailing spouses and ladies, this is indeed another opportune moment to catch up with one another.

Wassalam.