SIBU: A total of 250 athletes under the age of 12 from throughout the state will attend the Sarawak Zone 2014 Talent Identification Programme to be held at SJK Chung Hua here from Oct 20-23.
Sibu Education Department’s unit head of human development Lim Chung Len disclosed yesterday that some from this pool would be shortlisted for recommendation to two sport schools in the country at Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar.
“By sending the young sport stars to the two sports schools in the country, we hope that they will be able to excel and hopefully bring glory to the state when their services are needed,” he added.
Of the 250 young athletes, Kuching Division accounted for 78 followed by Miri Division with 55, Sibu Division with 43, Sarikei Division (18), Bintulu ( 17), Mukah (16), Samarahan (10), Limbang (7) and Sri Aman, Betong and Kapit (two each).
Nine sports will be covered under this year’s programme. The biggest number 63 would try out for athletics, 58 for hockey, 28 (netball), 26 (sepak takraw, 21 (basketball), 19 (badminton), 14 (bowling), 13 (swimming) and eight (archery).
Lim said this was the second time the programme was conducted in Sibu.
“Last year, the programme was held in Miri and we had successfully recommended many outstanding athletes to the two sports schools to upgrade their talent.”
The athletes would undergo a series of examinations and skills training aimed at tapping their intelligence and behavioral response to their respective sports. It will be held daily from 8am to 12 noon, 2pm to 6 pm and 8pm to 10pm.
Lim, however, said not all athletes recommended would gain entry to the two sports schools.
The final selection lists would only be known by the end of the year when other states had also completed their programmes.