GETTING A BOOST: A jumper decending after taking his leap from the 27-level of Wisma Sanyan.
SIBU: The BASE jump event, into its third consecutive year, will be organised on a grander scale to entice more jumpers and aiming to put Sibu on the world map.
According to Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee, the crowd puller was slated from Sept 22 till 25, drawing the likes of local and international jumpers to the riverine town.
BASE is an acronym for four categories of fixed objects from which a person can jump, namely buildings, antennae, spans (bridge) and earth (cliff).
“This year, it will be held a week before the KL International Jump and we are targeting more jumpers this time around,” Sim, who is also Sibu Tourism Task Group chairman told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.
He said side activities would be lined up to entertain jumpers and spectators if weather does not permit the jumps to be carried out.
Stalls selling food, drinks or even gifts may be set up to benefit those coming to watch the spectacular event.
“But this will be decided later during our coming meeting to be held next month.”
Last year team leader captain Aziz Ahmad and technical head Australian Gary Cunningham were among the jumpers who leapt from the 27-level of Wisma Sanyan.
Wisma Sanyan standing at 126 metres is the tallest building in the state.
US trained software engineer Hizam Shah Sahibudeen was among those drawn to Sibu by the jump, which he described as packed with excitements and thrills.
He said then: “The town is just lovely although this is my first time here. Sibu Town Square has one of the largest landing area that I had ever seen.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Sibu executive Rudy Anoi felt that the jump had great potential to be marketed as a sports tourism product.
“Some jumpers may even bring their spouse or family for the jump.
They may come earlier to explore the riverine town,” Rudy enthused.
He said there were those who would visit various places of interest after the event.
“When they go home, they will have fond memories of the town and may promote the town to their circle of friends or family members.
“Their good words will entice others to visit Sibu to experience for themselves the hospitality and places of interest here,” he noted.
Asked if BASE jump has been listed under the calendar of events, he said this would be included if the dates were confirmed.
Last year’s event was held from Oct 14 till 16.
It also witnessed the state’s inaugural night jump.