Aslan (standing, second right) pose with some of his young sailors.
MIRI: Sarawak’s young sailors won two prizes at the Langkawi International Regatta from Feb 8-12.
They finished runner-up in the Bictechno and third in the Optimist Silver Fleet categories.
About 1,200 sailors from seven countries competed in the international event.
Team manager Aslan Salam told The Borneo Post yesterday that it was only the second time that the state sailors competed outside Sarawak.
“The goal is to strengthen and prepare our athletes for the 2018 Perak Sukma,” he said while stressing that the team is still relatively new in the sport.
“Therefore we take the initiative to send our athletes to compete outside Sarawak not only for their experience but at the same time to hone their skills.”
The 20 sailors, aged 11 to 17, are undergoing training at Miri Marina Bay and Miri Stadium from Monday to Sunday with Wednesday off.
“Last year we also sent athletes to the Selangor Yachting Championship and we finished third and from that success we see potential for our athletes to go further,” Aslan added.