Over 300 wushu exponents for 27th State Championships
We are happy to see that there are many new athletes who will be out to display what they have learnt from their respective coaches. William Lo Chan Ying, organising chairman
KUCHING: It is all systems go for the joint organisers - Kelab Wushu Bandar Kuching and Wushu Federation of Sarawak - of this weekend’s 27th Sarawak Wushu Championship.
Organising chairman William Lo Chan Ying said more than 300 athletes from 38 primary and secondary schools from Kuching, Sibu and Miri will be vying for top honours at SJK Chung Hua No.4 today and tomorrow.
This event is supported by the Sarawak State Sports Council and the Sarawak Education Department.
“Kelab Wushu Bandar Kuching are pleased and honoured to host this meet which is primarily aimed to unearth potential talents to be groomed for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2020 and beyond as well as other national competitions.”
“We are happy to see that there are many new athletes who will be out to display what they have learnt from their respective coaches,” Lo told reporters in a press conference at the school hall on Thursday night.
“Mos t impor t ant ly, the championship is aimed to create interest among the young children to take up the sport in schools so that we can have a bigger pool of talents to do our selection of athletes for the state team,” he added.
Among other objectives, the championship shall serve as a platform for the students to showcase their skills and gauge their standard, promote ties among the participants, coaches, teachers and parents.
Lo noted, however, that many students were unable to participate as they are sitting for their SPM and STPM.
The championship is divided into Age Groups ( 6-21 Years Old) and Open ( 21 Years Above) with events including Taolu, Optional and Traditional.
“This year, the championship will be a bit different because apart from awarding medals to the winners, all participants will get a toy which is Stitch, a Disney character,” said Lo.
According to him, Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee, who is also director of the Sarawak State Sports Council, will officiate the opening today at 11am.
He took the opportunity to thank SJK Chung Hua No. 4 headmaster Chai Hon Mun, teachers and the school board of management for providing free use of the school hall as the competition venue, and Chan Chee Ghim for helping to transport the carpet and others who have contributed in cash or kind.
“Chai has been very supportive of wushu since coach Ling Ung Hee started wushu classes in his school in 1999.
Lo is assisted by organising secretary Tay Soon Joo, treasurer Ling Ung Hee and organising commit tee members Al fred Wan Weng Yeat, Jason Yu Hung Ming, Benny Chong Thian Nyan, Jacqueline Yeo Chiew Lang, Alvin Jong Joon Jit and Alex Chai Chee Shin.
Also present were WFS deputy president James Ting Ing Seek, vice president Kho Hu Chuan and treasurer William Bong Kuet Lung.