‘Sports not only for competition but also as a healthy lifestyle’
KUCHING: The state government recognises the fact that having good sports facilities alone is not enough to enhance the status of sports in Sarawak.
Although Sarawak has been able to host many regional and international sports events for a good number of years due to the good facilities available, its athletes are still competing compared to athletes from developed countries who are building a career through sports.
Youths therefore are encouraged to take up sports while they are still in school, not only as competitive sports but also as part of a healthy lifestyle and as tools of characterbuilding and nurturing of social solidarity.
“Our young people are full of energy that must be channelled to meaningful use as part of the overall development of the country. We have seen in this country how drug abuse has eaten into our public funds and brought wastage to our human resources.
“This is the very reason Sarawak is putting strong emphasis on the development of sports among its young people. We must keep them busy,” said Chief Minister Datuk
Our young people are full of energy that must be channeled to meaningful use as part of the overall development of the country. We have seen in this country how drug abuse has eaten into our public funds and brought wastage to our human resources. Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, whose text of speech was read by Minister of Youth and Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin at the launch of the 3rd South East Asia Cup Squash Championship at Merdeka Palace here on Monday.
Abang Johari cited a saying ‘all work and no play makes a Jack a dull boy’ and ‘idleness is the workshop of the devil’ that must not be taken lightly within the context of today’s fast- changing society.
He said the championship was a venue for young talents to hone their skills and enhance their confidence in the game before moving forward to higher levels.
“As for us in Malaysia, we hope to be able to produce more ‘Nicol Davids’ to bring honour and glory to the country,” he said, while urging foreign athletes who have played in Sarawak to return not only as tourists but also for training purposes.
“We have invested about RM400 million to develop and upgrade numerous sports facilities in Sarawak. Among them were the 18th Malaysia Games (Sukma) and the 18th Malaysian Paralimpiad Games last year.
“These facilities must be put to good use by local athletes and visiting athletes alike.”
A total of 46 athletes from five countries - Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and host Malaysia - are competing in this championship from Feb 14 to 18.
Southeast Asian Squash Federation president Robert Lau Hui Yew, Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee, Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak executive committee member Emmanual David, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Solidarity, Kameri Affandi were also present.