MIRI: Schools are told to identify and nurture athletic talents among students as young as at primary level, to bring out their full potential in various sports fields as the move could greatly contribute to the country’s sports development.
In making the statement yesterday, Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said students ranging between the age of nine and 12 are the most active, thus chances of developing interest and skills in any particular sport could be easily identified.
“Parents, on the other hand, must give their full support towards their children’s involvement in sports. Sports does not only promote a healthy lifestyle but it also trains the latter on discipline, persistence and many other moral values that could make them a better person in the future,” he said at the closing of SJK (C) Chung Hua Tudan Sports Day.
Held over three days since July 23, the sixth edition of the school’s sports day saw the participation of more than 300 students in the track and field events as well as sprint events.
At the prize presentation witnessed by teachers, parents and students; six students with excellent performance in respective sports each received a trophy as a mark of recognition.
One of them was Lolita Hawa, a primary five student who bagged five gold medals in the girls high jump, 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, 100m and 200m.
“Lolita is the best example of the athletic talent that the country needs in its sports development,” Lee said before presenting the trophy to the student.