Fatimah reveals issues facing state gymnastics

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KUCHING: The Sarawak Amateur Gymnastic Association (SAGYMA) has embarked on producing more grassroots talents with the recruitment of more Under-12 children under its development group.

Newly appointed SAGYMA patron Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said this is timely as Sarawak is known as a powerhouse in the sport.

“Sarawak has the talent and potential and if we want our talents to grow, we need to give them the right place to train and the right coaches,” she commented after visiting the SAGYMA training gym at Queens Tower yesterday.

She revealed that the association have raised several issues to be tackled.

“The most important thing is the association needs another place for training as currently both the elite group and the development group are sharing the same training ground. Therefore, we need to find another space where the development group can be trained at a more frequent time compared to twice a week now” she explained.

She also remarked that the elite group, comprising those aged seven to 12 groomed for Sukma, need to train more frequently.

“Another issue is a dedicated coach. Their former coach from China has returned home and we are still looking for a foreign coach to teach these children.”

Supported by the Sarawak State Sports Council, SAGYMA now have over 80 children training under four local coaches.

Also present during Fatimah’s visit was SAGYMA president Helena Wee.