4 duathletes seeking help to compete in Powerman Indonesia
KOTA KINABALU: Four Sabah duathletes are seeking assistance to enable them to compete in the Powerman Indonesia 2019.
Team leader Yatim Zainal Abidin said total amount of between RM10,000 and RM12,000 was needed to fund the group of four athletes to the event in Cakung, East Jakarta from June 29-30.
The other three members of the squad are former national cyclist Natahsya Soon, 24, Johnie Ngongoloy, 31, and Vierawatie Haris, 31.
“We are seeking generous sponsors whether from private and goverment sectors or individuals to help us lessen the burden to compete in the Powerman Indonesia.
“We appreciate any kind of contribution and it will be used to pay for the various costs involved including air tickets, registration fees, insurance and accommodations.
“In fact, we did make ou own efforts to source for funds but the feedback have not been favourable. That is why we hope to get good news this time around,” said Yatim, 43, when met here yesterday.
Yatim said one of the objectives to compete in Indonesia was to give exposure to the three who are newcomers to duathlon.
“It is for development purposes too and may be by going there it will boost the profile of duathlon here, thus attracting more young enthusiasts to pick up the sport,” added Yatim.
Having said that, Yatim said those interested to assist them can contact him at 011-26198804.
Meanwhile, the four competed at the recent Powerman Malaysia and returned as top performers from among the Sabahan participants in the event.
Natahsya, on her Powerman debut, claimed first placing in her age group (21-24 years old) for Individual Short (5km run - 30km cycling - 5km run) category.
The Malaysia Games (Sukma) multiple gold winners also finished in a creditable eighth placing out of overall 270 female athletes and 94th out of 1,294 (male and female combined ranking).
Vierawati, who finished third in the Powerman Indonesia last year for her age group, also entered the Individual Short category and finished third in the 30-34 age group, 12th for overall female and 110th for combined ranking.
Yatim and Johnie, on the other hand, contested in the Individual Classic category which comprised 10km running, 60km cycling and 10km running.
Yatim was placed 8th in the 4044 years old event, 43rd out of 935 overall male runners and 45th out of 1,044 male and female combined ranking.
As for Johnie, he was eighth in the 30-34 years category, 33rd for overall male and 35th for combined ranking.
“Hopefully the sponsors will come in especially with some good results that we achieved at the Powerman Malaysia,” added Yatim.
Towards this end, the group wished to thank CV Engineering and Took Bike Spa for the support and assistance given during their participation in the Powerman Malaysia.