Shot in the arm for Inanam Hope Karate Club
KOTA KINABALU: Inanam Hope Karate Club has received a huge shot in the arm in its efforts to develop the sport in the state, particularly in areas under its supervision.
The club committee members as well as parents and teachers’ representatives from all the schools in Sepanggar paid a courtesy call to Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Azis Jamman here recently.
And the outcome from the meeting, according to club chairman Robert Lo Chee Chea, had been very positive.
Former national karateka Lo, who is also the club head coach, said the purpose of the meeting was to propose Azis to be the club patron as well as to apply for funds and training centre for the club.
“It has been a very positive meeting indeed with Datuk Azis Jamman. He has agreed to be our club patron,” Lo texted in a recent conversation.
Lo also revealed that the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs has also agreed to contribute to the club fund.
“However, we don’t have a club account as we are still waiting for endorsement from the Sabah Sports Commission.
“We are in the process of sorting the matter out and I’ve asked for a support letter from Datuk Azis.
“We are also making follow-ups on the proposed training in Kalansanan and Datuk Azis too expressed his support,” said Lo who has also been asked to set up a Sepanggar Hope Karate Club.
Meanwhile, Lo also introduced two karatekas under the club that have excelled when representing the state in competitions.
They are Alexandra Jacklya Dakius who was part of the State Women’s Kata that won the Team bronze in ths just concluded 19th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Perak.
The other athlete is Awangku Aqeel Rauf AG Amli Norsufe who was a gold medallist in the Team Kumite event of the 19th Milo International Karate Championship in Kuala Lumpur in April.
For the record, Inanam Hope Karate Club, which is affiliated to the Sabah Karate Association (SKA), was formed only in August last year.
The club however is growing and expanding where the karatekas are coming from many schools including SJK (C) Yick Nam Inanam, SK Tebobon and SK Kolombong.