Sosek Malindo Games strengthen ties

TEBEDU: Tebedu district and neighbouring Indonesian district of Entikong strengthened their bilateral ties through sports and games during the 20th Sosek Malindo Games held here last Saturday.

More than 80 participants representing Entikong crossed the border to take part in six sporting events; namely volleyball, badminton, tug- of-war, ‘ perahu darat’ ( boat on land) race, ‘boling kelapa’ (coconut bowling) and ‘selipar gergasi’ (giant slippers) race.

Facing off with them were the same number of participants from host Tebedu made up of teachers, government officers, community leaders and those from nearby villages.

Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben officiated at the opening ceremony, which was also attended by Tebedu district officer Raymond Achen and Entikong district officer Hendrikus Suparman.

Martin, in his speech, spoke on the importance of the Sosek Malindo Games in enhancing bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia in order to further strengthen the cordial ties between the two countries.

He hoped such event will be continued in the future, and thanked the Camat (district officer) of Entikong and Tebedu district officer for working together to organise the games this year. He announced financial allocation from the government towards the organising of the event.

Martin launched the games by rolling the coconut to start the coconut bowling event.

All those present took part in the mass aerobic exercise at the Tebedu Community Hall compounds.

Martin tries his hand in coconut bowling to symbolically launch the games. Also seen are Raymond (second left) and Hendrikus (fourth right).

Contingent members from Entikong join their Tebedu counterparts for the mass aerobics at the Tebedu Community Hall compounds.