MIRI: Miri’s school athletes have been challenged to reclaim the Sarawak schools athletics crown after finishing runners-up in last year’s state-level competition.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, issued the challenge as he handed over the flag to the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Bahagian Miri (MSSB Miri) 2026 athletics contingent, while also presenting a RM10,000 contribution to support the team’s campaign.
Lee said Miri had a strong record in the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Sarawak (MSS Sarawak) Athletics Championships, having regularly emerged as champions and established itself as one of the leading contenders in the competition.
He said although Miri finished as runners-up last year, the achievement demonstrated that the division remained a competitive and respected force in school athletics.
“Make last year’s result a source of motivation to come back stronger,” Lee said, urging the contingent to fight to reclaim the championship title and continue Miri’s legacy of excellence.
He said sporting success is not determined by talent alone, but also requires strong determination, discipline, mental resilience and the support of parents, teachers, coaches and schools.
Lee, who previously served as Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, said he had witnessed many young athletes begin their sporting journeys through school competitions before progressing to SUKMA and eventually representing Malaysia at major international competitions.
He said some had gone on to compete at the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and even the Olympic Games.
“Every great athlete begins with an opportunity while still at school,” he said, stressing the importance of school-level competitions in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Sarawakian sporting talent.
Lee encouraged the young athletes not to limit their ambitions, saying they should continue working hard, remain disciplined and have confidence in their ability to achieve bigger goals.
The MSSB Miri contingent comprises 125 athletes, with 82 from Miri District, 25 from Baram and 18 from Subis. They are supported by 41 officials and coaches from the three districts.
Lee urged the athletes and coaches to put aside differences between the three districts and compete as one united MSSB Miri team.
He said the different strengths and capabilities of athletes from Miri, Baram and Subis should instead be harnessed as an advantage in building a stronger and more formidable contingent.
“I am confident that with team spirit, high discipline, strong determination and sustained effort, the MSSB Miri contingent can mount a strong challenge, win the championship and bring pride to Miri Division,” he stressed.
As a show of support for the development of athletics in Miri, Lee contributed RM10,000 to the MSSB Miri athletics contingent.
He said the contribution was primarily intended to assist Miri District athletes, who form the largest group in this year’s contingent with 82 athletes.
The contribution would also help ease expenses and support the overall management of the MSSB Miri team throughout the state championships.
Lee expressed hope that the contribution would further motivate the entire contingent to give their best and return with results that would make Miri proud.
He also reminded the athletes that winning was not the sole measure of success, stressing the importance of giving their best performance, respecting opponents, observing competition rules and upholding sportsmanship.
