Hang Son’s passion for sports is legendary

PENANG has lost a prominent and passionate sports official following the demise of former state sports council director Lee Hang Son at the age of 69 on Tuesday.

Hang Son died in his sleep at home, leaving behind wife, three children and several grandchildren.

Hang Son started as a sports official at the Youth and Sports Department in Butterworth and rose to become its deputy director.

After a short spell in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, he returned to Penang as director before being seconded to the State Sports Council (MSNPP) as director, just before the 2000 Penang Malaysia games.

The Malacca-born will be remembered as the first person to organise a night run — the Moonlight Run. He was also credited for actively promoting road races.

Hang Son had a hand in organising the MHA-NST International Penang Bridge Run — after the iconic bridge was opened to the public — which attracted about 20,000 participants annually from all over the world.

Hang Son also helped to put up the MSNPP building and other amenities for athletes.

It was under his directorship that Penang hosted the Malaysia Games in 2000 where badminton ace Lee Chong Wei and squash champion Nicol David first emerged.

Datuk Jahara Hamid, who was then the State Youth and Sports Committee chairman, said: “We have fond memories of Lee Hang Son who had served as the director of MSNPP.

He had tirelessly worked to improve the competitiveness, performance and managements of the various sports associations.

“Penang has catapulted from second last to the third rank in the Malaysia Games, a position which was never repeated less so improved since then.

“We also have the credit to be among the first state to host Sukpen (Penang Games) in between Sukma.

“My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace".

Penang Karate Federation president Datuk Patrick Lim Chee Jin, said: “Lee’s famous quotes to all athletes was there is no finishing line so strive for excellence always,"

Lim said Hang Son was a workaholic and was so passionate with his work that friends would say his office was his home and his home was his office.

Condolences were also sent through Timesport by the Malaysian Athletic Federation president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, Penang Amateur Athletic Association president Datuk Syed Mohammed Aidid Syed Murtaza and former senior vice president Papu Ignatius, Sports Unite president Datuk Dina Rizal, Penang State Hockey Association deputy president S. Sanjilatheeban and many more including coaches and athletes.

Hang Son’s funeral will take place tomorrow at 11am at the Batu Gantong crematorium. K. Kandiah