KUCHING: Sarawakian women sports personalities were full of praise for the book ‘Sarawak Women in Sports’.
According to those interviewed during a ceremony on Monday, the book to be published by the Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry is a good documentation of the contribution of female athletes to Sarawak’s sports history.
Rosalind Anding, state champion hurdler circa 1955-1960, was delighted when she found out that she was featured in the book.
She was worried that the achievements of past champions and personalities would be easily forgotten by future generations.
“Some recognition would be nice for me.
“Like any other Sarawakian athlete, it is always an honour for me to represent my country and state and I believe I have earned it (the recognition) through my achievements,” she said.
Former state swimmer star Tania Bugo hoped the book could also help to inspire younger generations of Sarawakians, not just female athletes, to do their best in sports.
Her advice to them was to never stop believing in themselves whenever they compete.
Former table tennis prodigy and national player Yip Pau Cheng shared Tania’s belief that book will inspire the younger generation to excel in sports.
“Through sports I travelled the world.
“I won several international titles during my career as an athlete and I did it all for my country,” said Yip who is from Sarikei.
Meanwhile, Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah presented momentos to some of the personalities featured in the book during the simple ceremony held at a local hotel.
The book will be launched next week during the state-level Women’s Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Aug 26.
Also present during the ceremony was Women, Family and Childhood Development Assistant Minister Rosey Yunus.