SBBA plans publication as tribute to bodybuilding legend
KUCHING: Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) wants to embark on a plan to put on record the achievements of Sarawak’s first Mr Asia, Soloman Esmanto.
SBBA president Dato Wee Hong Seng said that while the association always incorporated such information in its annual repor t, a properly printed publication would serve as an apt tribute to the local sports icon.
Soloman, who was Mr Asia 1969, passed away early Sunday due to complications from colon cancer. He was 75.
“I think we are really fortunate – Soloman himself took great care in storing all his awards and certificates including – and especially – the one acknowledging his triumphant feat at Mr Asia in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1969.
“I spoke with his son earlier and he told me that his father wanted all these items to be preserved so that his grandchildren would get to see his achievements and know who their grandfather was,” said Wee, who visited the family at their residence in RPR Fasa II, Petra Jaya here yesterday.
The SBBA chief revealed that he was amazed to see Soloman’s trove of achievements attained throughout his bodybuilding career.
“I do have a plan to document all these items meant for SBBA’s archive, but after seeing all these well- kept awards and photos, I believe that they deserve more.
“Perhaps we could come up with a photo book, or at least a comprehensive booklet, which could also feature the achievements by fellow bodybuilding legend Bujang Taha and our ( SBBA’s) first president D rY Y Lee. I assure all Sarawak bodybuilding supporters that this is our next endeavour, apart from continuing to develop this sport for Sarawak,” he added.
Soloman, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, was hospitalised last Friday following a severe bout of vomiting.
He passed away around 3.30am on Sunday and is survived by his widow Fatimah Jalil, six children and 20 grandchildren.
In April this year, Wee had announced that the trophy for the Athletic Physique category of the annual Mr Sarawak championship be named ‘ Soloman’s Cup’, in honour of the sporting pioneer.