Dragon, lion dance group praised for competitive success
MIRI: Miri Wai Sheng Dragon and Lion Dance Association has earned praise for their dedication in promoting lion dance as sports by actively training and preparing their athletes all year-long.
Councillor Nicholas Toh Kah Siong said their efforts have been proven with a number of their members participating in competitions who have also accumulated trophies throughout their competing journey.
He said that unlike other lion dance troupes that usually perform during special occasions like Chinese New Year, Wai Sheng has proven their capability to nurture and train existing and new trainees, as well as their determination to preserve Chinese culture.
“Dragon and lion dances have been classified as sports in Malaysia. There are also agencies (such as the Malaysia Lion Dance Federation) that want to promote it to become a competitive event such as at Sukma.
“If all goes well, I can see that Wai Sheng Dragon and Lion Dance Association will be the first in Miri to take up
the opportunity to compete because they have been working hard to train their athletes,” he said when representing state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin to officiate Miri Wai Sheng Dragon and Lion Dance Association’s appreciation luncheon here yesterday.
Moreover, Toh said the association has been participating in competitions at every possible chance, allowing
members to gain the necessary experience.
Meanwhile, Wai Sheng cofounder and chairman Vincent Chee hopes to able to expand the number of trainees with more recruitment of young athletes, regardless of any race and religion.
“We want to educate more people as to what dragon and lion dancing is about and to sustain Chinese culture. It is a
form of sports that involves a lot of techniques, skills, stamina, and team spirit.
“More importantly, it is to build one’s confidence and selfesteem,” he said.
Also present was Wai Sheng president Kapitan Jee Kee Hiong, Cr Tan Lik Jin representing Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, and Cr Jeffery Phang.