RUKIAC challenge commences 6th edition on Jan 15
KOTA KINABALU: The 6th edition of the Ruhiang/ Kiulu Adventure Challenge (RUKIAC 2017) will be held on January 15 next year.
As per previous editions, the event not only received entries from local participants but also from outside Sabah and Malaysia.
The event gathered only some 150 participants during its debut six years ago, but the numbers grew with each passing edition and the organisers received a record 700 at the previous event earlier this year.
This makes RUKIAC one of the best platforms to promote the Tamparuli and Kiulu districts as sports tourism destinations.
Those competing in the event will undertake running and cycling challenges across the natural scenic routes of Kiulu and Tamparuli.
The event will start and end at the Tamparuli Tamu town ground.
Wincenbert Latius and Kona Liau are the defending champions of the men’s and women’s elite categories respectively while Fabian@ Osmond Daimond and Guianus Salagan are the champions in the men’s 39 and below and men’s veteran 40 and above categories.
Stephanie Chok and Chong Vun Lung previously won the women’s open and women’s veteran categories in the 10km Adventure Run event, while Frisco Daniel and Arjali Ahmad won the men’s open and men’s veteran in the Ride for Nature event.
Natashya Soon won the women’s open category.
“I hope next year’s event will be no less successful KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tennis Association (STA) president Johnson Koh expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the sudden death of senior sports reporter Frederick Charles Leong.
Koh revealed they have known each other even before he accepted the post of president of STA.
“Fred is a good writer with imagination to stir up the readers’ mind and thoughts. He is very dedicated and hardworking, a legendary and good writer,” said Koh as he paid tribute to the late Frederick, who was known by his byline Fred Leong with a local daily.
“We are very close and he knew that I’m sincere in fighting for the sport without any personal hidden interests,” he added.
As one of the most senior reporters, Fred had covered many major events including the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
“I personally had him with me watching and covering from previous years,” said Casero Events managing director Steve Johnny Mositun.
Steve, who is the event organiser, said this when receiving a sponsorship from Tamparuli Sticker, the event’s printing partner.
“Thank you to Vester Chin@Boey Sticker and thanks to Tamparuli Sticker for continuing to support tennis matches in three Sukma games.
“The last was in Kuching (Sukma 2016) when Sabah Tennis created history by winning gold and bronze. Fred was there throughout the final matches,” he recalled.
“Sabah Tennis sends the association’s and tennis us in this growing event,” Steve said, while interested individuals to join the event.
Those interested to join are urged to submit their entries before the closing date on December 10.
For registration and more information, visit facebook. com/rukiacsabah or contact Helena (017-801 7075) or Roger Teo (019-532 6399).
Tennis fraternity express condolences over Fred Leong’s passing Liverpool star Coutinho out for at least five weeks
fraternity’s sincere heartfelt condolences to his family members.
“Rest in peace my beloved friend, Frederick Charles Leong,” added Koh.
Fred passed away after suffering a heart attack shortly after leaving his office on Tuesday evening. He was 64. LONDON: Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho will be out of action for at least five weeks with ankle ligament damage.
Brazil international Coutinho had a scan on his right ankle on Monday after being carried off on a stretcher in Saturday’s win over Sunderland.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old will probably be out until the new year.
“Phil needs between five and a few weeks until we have him back,” Klopp said ahead of their League Cup quarter-final against Leeds.
“We will see. He is not in (to face Leeds) and for the next few games.”
Coutinho has been Liverpool’s most influential player this season, scoring six times in 13 appearances in all competitions, but Klopp insisted they would cope without him.
“It is no excuse for anything. As good as he is he does not decide games by himself, although it sometimes looks like this,” he said.
“It is a team performance we create and he is a very important part of this team, absolutely.
“Of course we can handle it. If he is not in you have to show - and we will show.” – AFP