Sabah gymnasts to represent M'sia at 3rd World Gym For Life Challenge in Norway
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Gymnastics Association (PGNS) will represent Malaysia in the 3rd World Gym For Life Challenge in Norway on July 26.
A total of 23 gymnasts, between the ages of eight to 20, from different schools and districts will make their debut with the theme “Kaleidoscope of Borneo”, combining gymnastics and dance while preserving the unique traditional elements of Sabah.
“The team's coach, Christopher Liew Vui Ngee, wanted to highlight the beautiful concept of our culture in the performance. I hope the traditional elements in our dance will stand out and thus create a different theme from other participating countries,” PGNS president Dr Judy Mahibol said.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) introduced this four-year cycle World Gym For Life event which is held in between the world gymnaestrada meet. With the vision to create a unique and exciting event for the participants and audience, and carrying the slogan ”Rhythm of the Waves”, this event will bring in 2,000 participants from 77 groups and 22 countries around the world.
His Majesty King Harald V will attend the Opening Ceremony.
Head of delegation, Florence Fung said that this is PGNS third international participation in the FIG Gymnastics For All event, but their first for World Gym For Life Challenge.
PGNS sent a team for the 15th World Gymnaestrada in Helsinki, Finland in 2015 and the 5th ASIAN Gymnaestrada in Qingdao, China in 2016.
“Our greatest challenge was to raise funds for the 23 gymnasts. PGNS has been very supportive in our quest and the parents were committed in giving their children this chance of a lifetime to take part in the meet,” she added.
The recent Tutu Run which attracted runners from as far as Kuala Lumpur was organised on July 9, 2017 for this main purpose.
Florence also added that Malaysia is sending two teams for this event - the second team being Kinetic Dance Academy (KDA) from Kuala Lumpur.
This is KDA's second participation in the Gym For Life event. The team, under the care of Yap Lee Peng, was in Cape Town in 2013 for the same event and returned with a silver medal.
“During the handing over of our national and state flags, Dr Judy Mahibol, applauded the gymnasts and parents' determination, commitment and effort in making this participation a reality despite the many hurdles along the way. She hopes the gymnasts will give their best in their performance and make Malaysia and Sabah proud,” Florence said.
Sabah Gymnastics gymnasts who are flying to Norway on July 23 are Aldwayne Roikit Wellson, Alsandair Roikin Wellson, Elton Nychel Ronny, Avy Rosabel Misek and Nur Fatin Nabila Azhari from SM All Saints; Judrin Claire Vrill Syarin, Judrin Eve Reall Syarin and Siti Balqis Abd Rahman (SM St.Peter Telipok); Ferdinand Chin Yin Fong and Felicia Chin Mei Ling (Kian Kok Middle School); Karmila Brittany Lee (SM St Francis Convent), Brittany Carolina Yayun and Joshlyne Anne Ubu (SK St Francis Convent KK); Annastasya Kienna Japlin (SJK(C) Yuk Yin, Keningau), Cathryn Mia Lojitan (SJK(C) Hwa Siong Putatan), Carissa Claire LRM Cherles (SK Sri Gaya), Eden Gabrielle Sigar (SK Kolombong), Faith Chin Mei San (SJK(C) Shan Tao), Katyana Nefrnity Lee (SJK(C) Chung Hwa KK), Brenna Venita Simonddy (UMS), Lavender Miriam Lee and Eve Clarissa Cassandra LRM Cherles (Politeknik KK) and Abel Tie Xian Hao (Eu Yan Sang).
Meanwhile, officials appointed by Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) who will be accompanying the contingent are Florence Fung (head of delegation), Dr Fredie Robinson (medical officer), Simonddy Yayun Lamadas, Rossie Sikah, Judith Eddie, Ida Cyril, Missah Yabis, Hellen Ongging, Kulnah Ambor, Fiona Fung, Dr Rosy Talin, Nelly Peter Sedomon, Jason Ricky Lee and Tin Hui Chun.