SIBU: Sarawak could reclaim the overall championship title at the next SUKMA Games in Kelantan if they perform well in athletics, which offers a large number of medals.
Sibu Division Amateur Athletic Association’s President, Dr Gregory Hii, said athletics could play a crucial role in spearheading Sarawak’s efforts to regain the number one position.
“At the recent SUKMA Games in Selangor, we dropped to fourth place after finishing as overall champions at the previous SUKMA Games held in Sarawak,” he added.
Hii said this at a luncheon hosted for 26 trainees who had completed a five-day World Athletics Level 1 CECS (Coaches Education and Certification System) course at the Paramount Hotel here today.
The course, conducted from August 31 to September 4, took place at Stadium Tun Zaidi and Sibu Indoor Stadium.
Explaining the importance of athletics, Hii said the sport offered numerous gold medals in both individual and team events, compared to only one gold medal each in sports such as football and volleyball.
Based on this, he said the association, in collaboration with the Sarawak Sports Council, had begun making early preparations by organising the CECS course to equip the trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and develop new talent capable of bringing glory to the state.
“The course is aimed at raising the standard of athletics in the state. We have two years to do that,” he stressed.
“I hope the trainees here will take on the responsibility and do their best to help wrest back the title.”
Hii added that the association’s upcoming event is the Sibu Open Athletics Championship, scheduled to be held from Oct 3 to 4 at Stadium Tun Zaidi.
“I hope you will encourage more people to participate. The association has organised this championship for many years and we offer very attractive prizes,” he said.
“Between six and seven events are sponsored by corporate bodies, providing additional incentives for athletes to perform well.”
Meanwhile, a trainee, Indracalgary Piol, was adjudged the Best Overall Trainee while Korea Bal was named Best Trainee in the Practical component and Glorycia Walter received the award for Best in Theory.
