‘Lack of publicity’ to blame for fewer award entries

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Hii (centre) with the selection committee. Fifth from left is Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee.

Hii (centre) with the selection committee. Fifth from left is Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee.

SIBU: Fourteen promising student athletes have been picked for the HKL-Top Sport Star awards (HKL-TSS) for its 2015 edition.

The number of entries, however, was below expectations, which award initiator Dr Gregory Hii blamed on the lack of publicity.

Yesterday, he expressed disappointment over the fewer number of entries especially from the southern and northern regions.

This year’s winners are Wong Xiao Jing, Yii Tiu Hu, Jenny Lau, Wong Nie Nie, Wong Kuang Won, Olivia Wong, Lucas Chieng, Ting Leh Di, Wong Chai Yun, Joycelin Huang Eng Chie, Alfred Wong Ah Fung, Queenie Ting Kung Ni, Angel Lau Xin Yee and Cindy Sui Yea Zhen.

They have all represented Sarawak at national and international championships in various sports in either 2014 or 2015.

“The HKL-TSS award is meant for the top 20 sport stars but because some of them failed to meet the criteria, we have no choice but to reject their entries,” Hii said.

Despite the disappointment, Hii said they would continue with the award.

“There are really lots of outstanding student athletes who deserve to get the funds and we hope to reach out to them,” he added.

For the past three editions, at least 60 students have benefited from the fund which carries the prize money of RM600 and a certificate.

The winners will get the prize for two consecutive years.

To qualify, the applicant must be a student registered in Sarawak schools or colleges and must have represented the state at the national-level championship at least once in the last two years.

They must also achieve five credit passes for SPM examinations but for those who are assessed internally (like Form I and Form 2 students), they need to achieve credit passes in all the subjects.

The family income must not be more than RM50,000 a year.

Hii stressed that the award was the only one of its kind in Sarawak and it was to reflect his belief that sport is an important component of a wholesome education which helps build character, discipline, determination and a healthy body, essential ingredients for success in today’s increasingly competitive society.

Meanwhile, journalist Philip Wong Sing Hee was chosen as the winner of the ‘Sport Volunteer Extraordinaire’.

The award was worth RM1,500 and a certificate.

Wong has been with The Borneo Post for the past 30 years and has been a sports writer since 2009.

“He has for many times won the Sarawak Shell Kenyalang Press Awards and promote sports development through the media,” Hii noted.

“And in these six years, he has helped promote the development of sports not only in Sibu but also linked Sibu sports in its development in Sarawak, the nation and even ASEAN region.”

Hii said the award was to give recognition to outstanding sports personalities or volunteers who had contributed substantially and significantly towards the development of sports in Sarawak.

He said they could include managers, coaches, leaders or even financiers who have been running the organisations and working tirelessly behind the scene to ensure that Sarawak stay in the forefront in its pursuit for sports glory.

“It is also to supplement the annual sports award given out by the State Sports Council,” he said.