Sports promote fitness, health and team spirit, says Bukit Goram assemblyman
KAPIT: Youths should stay clear of social menaces like drug abuse and cyber gambling.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat gave this advice when speaking at the closing of the Kapit Inter-Team Futsal Competition at the Bletih Stadium here recently.
“Involvement in drug abuse or cyber gambling will eventually ruin the family institution and in the long run our society. It may also lead to financial debt, causing immense suffering to the victim and also the family members,” he said.
He pointed out that the government was committed to promoting healthy lifestyle by encouraging people regardless of gender or age to take up outdoor activities to keep fit. He explained that various government agencies like Ministry of Youth and Sports organised various activities for the public to participate and introduced ‘One Student One Sport’ policy in schools to encourage students to take up sports to achieve a holistic education.
“As ‘ wakil rakyat’ I pledge to give my full support to any sporting activity. It doesn’t matter if it’s badminton, football, futsal, volleyball and so on. What is important is participation and the crowd. When people are actively involved in sports, this will help to keep them away from social menace while doing something meaningful to keep fit and healthy,” he said.
He also said sport is universally recognised as a tool to promote team spirit and cooperation.
“It’s the tool to unite all Malaysians despite the great diversity of culture and practices,” he pointed out.
On the futsal competition, he said although it was organised by the JKKK of Kampung Muhibbah Bletih the players were Malay, Dayak, Orang Ulu and Chinese.
“This is the spirit of 1Malaysia. When an event like this is held, it promotes inter-racial understanding and friendship. That’s why I encourage youth clubs and sports club to organise more activities to invite everyone to take part,” he said further.
He encouraged local futsal players to compete in competitions outside Kapit.
“Never be satisfied being a champion at local competitions. Consider going outside Kapit to compete with players from other parts of Sarawak to test your skill and play,” he advised.
Later, Jamit announced a government grant of RM6,000 for the organising committee and gave away prizes to the winners.
The two-day competition held at the Bletih Stadium attracted 280 players from 28 teams.
The champion Team Buragas Jin received RM500, first runner-up My Name is Khan received RM300 and third placed Starvista Legacy received RM200.
The best player title went to Dicky Indan from Team Buragas Jin.
Present were organising chairman Mohd Junaidi, PBB Kampung Baru Youth chief Zulaini Junaidi and Kampung Muhibbah JKKK member Yusof Thon.