SIBU: Only 16 applications were received when entries closed for the Hii King Leng Top Sports Star Award on June 15.
Dr Gregory Hii, who initiated the award, revealed that all 16 entries were from the central region which included Sarikei and Bintangor.
Entries will be vetted in July and the results known by Sept.
Disappointed with the response from the southern and northern regions, Hii lamented: “Last year, we received entries from both regions, but there was none this year.”
He blamed it on poor publicity.
“Student athletes very rarely read newspapers and much depend on their school teachers to inform them about the award. That is why teachers play a very important role to disseminate information to the students so that they are aware of the award,” he suggested.
But he ruled out scrapping the award: “As long as we have the funds, we will continue to give. There are many outstanding student athletes who deserve to get the funds and we hope to reach out to them.”
For the past three editions, over 60 students have each received RM600 and a certificate.
The money is given for two consecutive years.
To qualify, an applicant must be a student registered in a Sarawak school or college and has represented the state at least once in the last two years.
They must have at least five credit passes for the SPM examination or credit passes in all subjects for those who are assessed internally by their schools.
On top of that, the family income must not exceed RM50,000 a year.
Hii said the award reflected his belief that sport was an important component of a wholesome education and that a healthy body was essential for success in today’s increasingly competitive world.
Last year, a total of 17 athletes from throughout the state received the award: Queenie Ting and Grace Wong from SMK Tinggi Sarikei; Cindy Sui from SMK Methodist, Sibu; Shirley Lau from SMK Bandar Sibu; Ngu Jiung Jing and Nee Gui Ping from SMK Chung Hua Sibu; Quek Lee Yong and Norris Foo from SMK Tabuan Jaya; Lucas Chieng from SMK Sacred Heart; Winston Sai, Lau Jik Sing, Wong Jing Huei, Wong Kuang Won, Eric Tiong, Yii Tiu Hu, Wong Xiao Jing and Jenny La from SMK Tong Hua, Meradong.