Dr Ong (sixth right), Janudin (eighth left) and other officials posing for a photo with the 53 participants who have completed a state-level Petanque sports technical officer course.
BINTULU: A total of 53 participants from throughout the state have completed a state-level Petanque sports technical officer course at Dewan Sarjana UITM Samarahan recently, to brace for next year’s national games.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Sports Council director Dr Ong Kong Swee.
Among those present were UITM Samarahan sports unit head Azwa Kamri, Sarawak Petanque Association (Pepsar) secretary Janudin Ab Rahman, Malaysian Petanque Federation committee Jamaludin Ali, Malaysian Petanque Federation technical chairman Dzulfikar Adwa Yusof and Pepsar vice-president Wan Ridzwan Wan Laila.
The course was organised by Pepsar in collaboration with Sarawak Sports Council, Malaysian Petanque Federation and UITM Samarahan sports unit.
It was conducted by Jamaludin and Dzulfikar and divided into several sections, namely briefing, workshop, talks on the rules, practical, written and oral examinations.
Janudin, who was representing the Pepsar president, congratulated all the participants for completing the course.
“In Sarawak now, we have 32 qualified technical officers, nine at national level, 18 at the state level and the rest at district level.
“All divisions have a technical (section) except for Limbang, Kapit and Mukah and I hope all divisions will have their own technical (units) in the near future,” he said.
According to him, the course is part of Pepsar’s preparation for Sukma 2016 apart from promoting the sport throughout the state.
Meanwhile, Dr Ong said the technical side is the most vital aspect for every sports association because without technical support, the association could not go far in recognition.
“I hope petanque as a sport will continue to be developed in Sarawak and if possible to result in as many gold medals out of 11 gold medals to be offered in Sukma 2016.
“After Sukma, all divisions will have to organise at least one competition and athletes also must compete at the national and international levels to obtain more experience,” said Dr Ong. — by Yunus Yussop