Eden Sigar among 23 Sabah gymnasts selected
KOTA KINABALU: Nine-yearold Eden Gabrielle Sigar is one of 23 Sabahans who will be representing Malaysia at the 3rd World Gym For Life Challenge in Norway July 26 to 30.
Although she only took up gymnastics two years ago, Eden aspires to be an Olympian like her idol Gabby Douglas from USA.
Eden who is the second of three siblings said that she was never interested in gymnastics but tried it out after a talent scout from the Kota Kinabalu Gymnastic Association (KKGA) came to her previous school two years ago.
“The coach suggested that I give gymnastics a try so I did and found that I liked it,” she said when met yesterday.
In the beginning it was tough but Eden ended up enjoying herself and began to have interest in the sport.
“This is my first time representing Malaysia in a competition. I will do my best and I hope we will win the gold medal,” Eden said.
Her mother Missah Yabis said that Eden trains four times weekly and each of the training session on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday is about three and a half hours long.
“This competition will be good exposure for Eden and her team-mates and I hope the experience will spur her to excel in the sport,” she said.
Yesterday, Eden received some contribution from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department cum Kota Belud Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
UPKO Kadamaian chief Ewon Benedick handed over the contribution on behalf of Abdul Rahman. Also present was the Kota Belud Member of Parliament's chief liaison officer Mohd Nazarul Hizam Ahmad.
Eden is living up to the slogan “Kota Belud Terbang Tinggi”, Ewon said adding that Abdul Rahman is highly supportive of any endeavours that will bring pride to Kota Belud, Sabah and the nation.
“We hope that her achievement can inspire the community in Kota Belud especially the younger generation. Personally I hope the younger generation will follow suit and achieve similar success for the state, nation and Kota Belud,” he said.