Proposal to set up Sarawak Sports Museum

by Churchill Edward, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 26, 2012, Thursday

TIMELY: Chan (second left) shows the Sarawak Sports Museum proposal to Mawan (second right). Also seen are Churchill (left) and Anding. — Photo by Chimon Upon.

KUCHING: The Borneo Post submitted a proposal for the setting up of Sarawak Sports Museum to the Ministry of Social Development yesterday, and its minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom beamed with delight.

He said the novel idea was timely because without one future generations would not have much

grounding on the state’s sports history and past glories.

In submitting the proposal, The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo managing editor Francis Chan, who was accompanied by The Borneo Post sports editor Anding Panglima and chief reporter Churchill Edward, requested the ministry to commission the setting up of a research and feasibility study management committee pursuant to the formation of the museum.

The role of this proposed committee would be to conduct preliminary research, study, and compile all the materials needed to set up the museum.

It also encompasses research and compilation of traditional, local and ethnic sports and games in the state.

Chan would assume the role of project director in the pro tem committee, Anding its project manager and Churchill its coordinator.

Mawan said: “I am very appreciative of this proposal by The Borneo Post to assemble all the data in one place for a sports museum. The proposal happens to be in tandem with the overall and long term plan of my ministry.

“This idea needs the support of all. The state welcomes all ideas, recommendations and suggestions.”

Chan said Sarawak had a proud heritage in sports, and is generally recognised as a sports powerhouse in the country. Its sportsmen and sportswomen had held national and regional records. Some of them were even Olympians.

“There is an urgent need to showcase the sporting glory of Sarawak’s sportsmen and sportswomen. Currently, there is no such institution.”

Chan added that the proposed formation of the museum was also to inspire aspiring athletes to strive for the pinnacle in the sport they loved, and to encourage members of the public, especially the youths, to take up sports as a way of life.

“It is a pity to see medals and trophies of some of our well known sports heroes left idle at home. It would be better if they could loan them to the museum for all to see and for them to cherish. There are great and deserving stories which need to be told to members of our future generation.”

The project pro tem committee members yesterday also invited Mawan to be either their patron or advisor, or both.

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