Entri returning the baton after the conclusion of the Beluru district Sukma Baton run enroute to Marudi district.
MIRI: Beluru district can become the weightlifting powerhouse in the state as it has the talents to be moulded into champions at the highest level.
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities and Agriculture Datuk Sylvester Entri anak Muran said Beluru has produced two Sukma gems in gold medallist Filicia Muyat and bronze medallist Sylvia Buda who are now full-time coaches for athletes shortlisted for Sukma.
“ I am so proud that our very own Filicia from Beluru has won gold in Sukma and together with Sylvia, they are now training nine elite athletes for Sukma at SMK Tinjar and SMK Bakong, “ he said at the presentation of the 18th Sukma baton in Beluru community hall on Saturday.
The baton run was earlier on flagged off at SMK Bakong by Beluru district officer Mataip Sayu, witnessed by Haji Awang Hashjim bin Awang Bujang of the Sukma Secretariat.
Entri encouraged the shortlisted weightlifters to aim for gold in their respective categories.
The three medal prospects are Bapi Muyat ( 77 kg) , Dixson Gansul ( 94 kg) Sheerra Bunyau ( 53 kg) who are training witn Joshua Dadat and Rofina at SMK Tinjar under Filicia.
Under Sylvia at SMK Bakong, Christopher Merayang ( 94 kg) and Riska Dunstan ( 75 kg) are also listed as medal prospects and they train with Xavier Henry ( 105 kg) and Stephen Gasah ( 85 kg).
Entri said he will continue to give his full support to the development of the sport. Years ago, he was responsible for bringing Filicia at SMK Bakong to the attention of the state sports council.
He said Filicia’s request for a building with proper facilities to specifically develop future champions would be discussed with the authorities.
The assistant minister added that Marudi would be rooting for their athletes to bring honour to the state in the upcoming Sukma in July.
This is also in tandem with his support for sports development in Marudi constituency since he was first elected their state assemblyman in 1996, committing time and financial resources for school sport meets and competitions.
Filicia said she is happy with the progress of the elite athletes under her charge with five been shortlisted for final selection despite they being roped in less than a year ago.
“ They are all first timers but they had progress very well in such a short period of development, “ she told The Borneo Post.
She attributed this to the right ingredients in physique and natural strength of the pool of talents in Baram, particularly at the two schools.
She has previously coached in SMK Bakong for two years before starting a new team at SMK Tinjar a year ago.
Filicia and Sylvia were also chosen for the first and final leg of the Sukma baton run yesterday in recognition of their success and contributions.