New weightlifting chief vows to bring sport to another level

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Gerald (fourth left) presenting the challenge trophy to a representative of SMK Bakong.

KUCHING: Weightlifting in Sarawak is primed for more greatness under the new president of the Sarawak Weightlifting Association (PABNS) Gerald Rentap Jabu.

The Layar assemblyman has pledged to bring the sport to a higher level and for a start, he will be leading efforts in unearthing more new talents to be groomed for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma).

“Thank you for putting your trust and confidence in me to lead the association as the president.

“I will continue with the work to develop the sport further as what my predecessor has done,” he said.

According to him, his priority is to ensure that Sarawak would be competing in every category in Sukma 2018 and help the state to regain its overall championship crown in Perak next year.

Gerald was elected as the new president of PABNS during its annual general meeting at a hotel in Miri on Tuesday (May 23), replacing Minister of Rural Electricity and Water Supply Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Lucas Kallang Laeing and Romeo Christopher are the deputy presidents while Jampi Tutong is the secretary, with his assistant Richard Silo. The treasurer’s post is held by Leonard while his assistant is Berengang Undau.

Committee members include Edmund Yeo, Ariffin Alimin, Gary Mudin, Federick Matius, Jonathan Patrick, Mike Lim, Peter Use Lenjau, Voon Chun Teck, Gloria James Juat, Lai Tze Hua and Stanley.

Meanwhile, PABNS organised the Sarawak Inter-Weightlifting Centres Championship at Kampung Sukan Petronas in Miri from May 20-23.

The organiser received the collaboration from the Sarawak State Sports Council, Sarawak government, the Sarawak Education Department and the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation.

It was participated by seven teams namely SMK Bakong, SMK Tinjar, SMK Merbau, SMK Sibu Jaya, Miri, Limbang and Kuching.

SMK Bakong lived up to expectations to be crowned the overall champions after they captured six gold, three silver and one bronze medals to lift the Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom challenge trophy. Second and third were SMK Merbau and Kuching respectively.