HAPPY GAWAI: Alexander (third left) presents a bannerette to Munsang team captain and Edward Manggah (right).
KAPIT: Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said that badminton tournament organised by Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) branch here would help to gather the Dayak from all walks of life not only to compete but also to provide a venue for them to interact and socialise in goodwill spirit.
Kapit MP was happy to note that Sadia Kapit branch was able to organise the badminton tournament annually as part and parcel of the Gawai Dayak celebration activities in Kapit.
“Sadia Closed Badminton tournament is a vital component of the Gawai Dayak activities in Kapit that has helped to bring in the Gawai festive mood by gathering the members together and without which the celebration is not very much felt”, he said at the opening of Sadia Kapit Closed Badminton tournament held at the Indoor Stadium of the Integrated Sports Complex at Jalan Bleteh recently.
Alexander said as an organisation, Sadia is vital to serve as a platform to unite the Dayak in the district.
“We need to unite and look into the welfare of our own community, to enable us to compete and face the challenges ahead like what the other races are doing through their respective associations- OUNA, DBNA and Sarawak Melanau Association to name a few”, he said.
On Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Alexander who is also the deputy president said it is the main governing body of the Dayak and Sadia is a subsidiary of it.
“In Kapit SDNU has three branches namely Menua Kapit, Pasar Kapit and Baleh branches respectively, we want to streamline the branches to ensure its efficiency,” he said.
Later at the function he presented a grant of RM6,000 to Sadia Kapit.
Also present were Sadia Kapit branch chairman Edward Manggah Kendawang, Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit, organising chairman John Lang Likong and Councillor Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
Lang said that 80 players took part in the competition.