Snowdan: Sports have no boundaries

0

Snowdan shakes hands with the athletes from the Northern Region.

BINTULU: Sports are for everyone and it has no boundaries, according to Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

He added that sportsmanship is important and one shouldn’t look at the race and origin of athletes.

The athletes should be judged only by their performances.

“In sports we are all at the same level, either we play for our associations or our divisions. Winning and losing is part of the game and what is important for athletes is to have the spirit of the Iban war cry ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’,” he added.

Snowdan said this during a briefing session by the Northern Zone contingent in their preparation for the upcoming Sukan Sarawak (Suksar) 2017 at Bintulu Resident’s Office.

Suksar he said is one of the initiatives to turn the state into a sporting powerhouse.

“We want to scout for new talents and bring out the best from these athletes, and this is our shadow team for next year’s Sukma in Perak.”

“I have confidence in our young athletes, especially those from rural areas,” said Snowdan, adding that selected athletes would undergo intensive training.

Apart from that, he said the ministry also emphasised on quality coaching by conducting courses and seminars.

“In order to get quality athletes, first we must have quality coaches,” Snowdan said.

He added the ministry has also allocated funds to upgrade sport facilities throughout the state, in line with the state’s efforts in providing world class sports facilities.

Sarawak will host two international events in 2019 namely 21st Asia Masters Athletics Championship and 2019 World Paralympic Swimming Championship.