Manyin greeting Sarawak Sukma volleyball players.
SIBU: As far as Minister of Sports, Youth and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong is concerned, Sarawak athletes are already heroes even before the 18th Sukma starts on July 22.
“You are champions, and champions are not made out of ordinary people. Champions are made of special people with superhuman mentality because any sport is a combination of mental and physical strength.
“You may be very skilful and physically strong but if you don’t have the mental strength you will not win.
“But you already have the combination of these two – effort and mental- and that’s why today you are the champion,” he said.
“I hope those of you here who are going to participate in Sukma will remain the champions and will be the champions for 18th Sukma,” he added.
The minister was speaking when he declared open the Sibu Volleyball Association (SVA) indoor stadium in Rejang Park here on Monday.
Addressing the state athletes, he said, “You take part because you want to leave a legacy for yourself and for Sarawak.”
Manyin also expressed confidence that Sarawak would finish as overall champion in the upcoming Sukma.
There are a total of 24 sports and games to be competed in the 18th Sukma from July 22-31.
Only Sarawak, Selangor and Perak are taking part in all 24 sports and games.
Sibu will be hosting the badminton and volleyball competitions while Miri will be staging karate, sepak takraw and sailing events.
The remaining 19 other sports will be held in Kuching and Samarahan. Also present at the function were State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Volleyball Association president Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, Sibu Volleyball Association president Dr William Ting, chairman Datuk Moh Wung Ming and Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King.