Fatimah leads praise of awardwinning trio
KUCHING: The Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah congratulated three Sarawakians for winning top honours at the National Sports Awards 2021 on Tuesday.
National diving queen Dato Pandelela Rinong was named the National Sportswoman, powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin bagged the National Paralympic Sportsman while national powerlifting coach Jamil Adam the National Men’s Best Coach at a ceremony that took place at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil.
Fatimah expressed her joy at Bonnie’s achievement, saying that the Tokyo Paralympic gold medallist continued to break through the glass ceiling and gave hope to other para athletes, motivated and boosted their confidence to follow the same path.
“With the right opportunity, good coach, strong family and government support, combined with athletes’ commitment, hard work and resilience, they can achieve what Bonnie has achieved.
“Bonnie has proven that the disabled can achieve great heights too,” the Dalat assemblywoman told The Borneo Post.
As for Jamil, Fatimah said it was a recognition for the national coach.
“Coaches play a very critical role in developing the potential of athletes to the maximum. It involves not only physical, skill, tactic, strategy but also addressing the humanistic and welfare aspects of the athletes.
“Jamil has been able to do this not only with Bonnie but also other athletes under his wing,” she added.
Assistant Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu also praised the trio and thanked them for their efforts to put Malaysia’s name on the world stage.
“It is our hope that the our youth and athletes will be inspired by the achievement and make them realise that hard work, commitment, training and focus can bring success anywhere.”
He added the ministry also thanked their parents and all those involved for their support.
“They have also contributed in our efforts and help Sarawak in realising its target of becoming the nation sports powerhouse by 2030.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer Awang Petrayusrie Awang Redzuan extended his congratulations to Pandelela and Bonnie, saying that they are the pride of Sarawak and the country.
“Congratulations also to Jamil who was awarded the National Coach of the Year 2021 and Buda Anchah (bodybuilding) and Jong Yee Khie (para powerlifting) who were nominated for the awards.
“The success of these four athletes will fuel the spirit of our athletes as they strive to achieve success through vision, commitment, patience and spirit to fight,” he said.