A family’s love can go far
They travel 1,555km from Limbang to Bukit Jalil to give moral support
KUALA LUMPUR: It involved a sixhour drive and two-hour flight, but the family of Sarawakian Paralympic swimmer Jamery Siga would not miss his races for the world.
Jamery’s wife, son, mother, older sister and two cousins travelled 1,555km from Kampung Kuala Medalam, Limbang, to the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil here to watch him compete.
Jamery’s sister, Tini Siga, said the family made the journey to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday out of their own pocket.
“We drove six hours to Miri, using village roads and the highway, through Brunei. Then we took a flight from Miri,” the 34-year-old school teacher told The Star.
The trip was worth their while. Jamery scored a gold and a silver medal in the men’s 50m butterfly S5 and men’s 200m freestyle S5 respectively.
“I am so proud and happy,” said Unjong Anak Wan, Jamery’s mother.
Unjong, 62, said she did all she could to support Jamery.
Whenever he told her he was tired or feeling disheartened, she would tell him not to give up.
According to Unjong, Jamery was part of the National Sport Institute’s Podium Programme and was placed in Kuala Lumpur for training.
“He usually comes home about three times a year but makes fewer trips before major sporting events,” she said.
His wife Anissa Saksriprapa Nantharat, 26, and son Christian Laja Jamery, five, stay in Kampung Kuala Medalam and do not get to see Jamery often.
“I call him every day. We miss each other,” she said, adding that she was happy he was pursuing his dream.
After receiving his gold medal, Jamery made his way to his family, who greeted him with cheers and smiles.
“I am very happy today in getting silver and gold medals,” he said.
However, he added that he felt there was room to push himself further.
He jokingly said Christian was not impressed with his silver medal.
“My son pinched me for not getting the gold,” he said with a laugh.
Jamery has one more event, the men’s 100m backstroke S5.
After that, Jamery hopes he can take some time off to go home.
“I will cook Jamery his favourite food,” said Unjong.
“He likes kampung vegetables. You can’t get them here in Kuala Lumpur.”