Sports can foster unity — Ling
MIRI: Sports are far more than just entertainment or competition.
Senator Alan Ling said sports can help unite people of various races and religions and should be promoted among youths to instill and enhance the spirit of unity.
“Sports can actually unite Malaysians, and it can even break the wall of religious and racial politics,” Ling said at the closing of Miri Division Under 18 (Secondary School) Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday evening.
“In fact, sports are not only for us to watch and enjoy, but it also give greater meaning to racial integration through healthy activities,” he added.
Ling, who is also Miri Volleyball Association president, said sport has become the basis for integration, especially among multiracial community in Sarawak.
“When it comes to sports, no one will ever think about race or skin colour, instead they only think of the best way to play in a team.
“So often we see the interaction of athletes and supporters of various races in every sports and this creates a strong understanding among them,” he said.
Citing former world number one shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Ling said Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, forget their differences and joined together in supporting their beloved athlete in each and every one of his matches.
Meanwhile, a total of eight teams took part in the U18 volleyball tournament.
Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS) emerged as champions for both the boys and girls categories.
Second place in the boys category were SMK Chung Hua followed by SM Pei Min in third.
The former were also second in the girls category ahead of Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang, who ended their campaign in third.
Also present were RRSS principal Richard Lau and SMK Agama Miri senior assistant cocurriculum Sopey Hussein.