Hii (left) and Frederick hold the NRS file.
MIRI: The Northern Region of Sarawak Sports Deaf (NRS) is calling more members to register and participate in any activities planned by the society in the upcoming year.
Established on March 11, 2016 under Sarawak Sports Deaf (SSDeaf), NRS currently has 43 members which are also members of the SSDeaf.
According to deaf interpreter Victor Hii Lik Nguong, NRS aims at unearthing local talents towards the development of deaf sports.
Hii said the deaf community in Miri should join NRS where it would be a platform for them to uncover their talents in sports and get the chance to represent the division in any tournaments.
NRS had participated in over 10 tournaments throughout 2016-2017, including national-level events, with some laudable achievements.
They grabbed bronze in the male shot put and discus event at the 3rd ‘Kejohanan Olahraga Orang Pekak Malaysia’ in Kluang, Johor in March this year, and third in women’s doubles at the 13th Malaysian Deaf Badminton Championship at Ayer Keroh Melaka in April.
During the 3rd ‘Sukaneka Komuniti Orang Pekak’ Sarawak held in Sibu last September, NRS were the futsal champions, second and third in the individual carom and third in badminton (singles).
Meanwhile, Sarawak were third at the 19th Malaysia Deaf Games (Sopma) held in Kuching last year, which was participated by all 14 states.
With such limited fund, NRS is hoping to get more contribution from members of the public, private or the public sectors to keep their activities running.
NRS coordinator Frederick Apoi David @ Alben said the SSDeaf government grant that was distributed to NRS, Southern Region of Sarawak Sports Deaf (SRS) and Central Region of Sarawak Sports Deaf (CRS) is insufficient to cater the need for their activities.
Frederick said its members had to fork out their own resources to participate in tournaments held outside of Miri and he welcomed any contribution from individuals or organisations.
Next year, NRS is planning to send its athletes to the 20th Sopma in Perak, which is also to select national athletes for the first Asean Deaf Games 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
In terms of training, Hii said their athletes train at various places and by themselves as they can’t afford to recruit coaches.
Meanwhile, NRS membership is open to all including the normal individuals who wish to join as associate members.
There will be a minimal membership fee and those who are interested to join or wishes to make contribution can send a text message or Whatsapp to Frederick Apoi (010-9605820) or NRS president Abdul Mutalib Rosli (014-6917424).