First Lady Joins 1,000 Participants at Sifama Fun Run for Children's Day

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed joined hundreds of residents at the Hulhumalé Synthetic Track for the Sifama Fun Run 2026, a community event celebrating National Children's Day and Mother's Day. Organized by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Family Association, the event saw a dramatic surge in participation. A total of 1,050 people took part this year, more than doubling the 400 runners who attended the inaugural run last year. The First Lady expressed her honor in participating, noting the initiative's growing importance within Maldivian society. The event was structured into two distinct challenges to accommodate different fitness levels: a 10-kilometer race held during the morning session and a 5-kilometer run in the evening. This expanded format reflects the event's evolving nature; while the run was previously exclusive to the families of MNDF personnel, it has now opened to the general public following overwhelming demand from the community. Sifama, the government-registered civil society organization responsible for the event, focuses on providing critical support networks for MNDF personnel and their families. By fostering camaraderie and unity, the association serves as a pillar of strength for those connected to the military community, using public events like the Fun Run to bridge the gap between service members and the wider public.