YES, WE CAN: Abdillah (third right), team officials and athletes pump their fists in the air in a show of the ‘Sarawak Boleh’ spirit during the presentation of the State MSSS flag. Also seen are Rosnani (third third) who receives the flag for the contingent and (from left) Ting, Hassan, Ellen and Law. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: A Sarawak victory in the 53rd Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Track and Field Championship will mean more than just defending the state’s status as an athletics powerhouse.
State Education Department director Abdillah Adam who said this, pointed out that it would add more meaning to the Teachers’ Day celebration for Sarawak at both the state and national levels.
“I’m very confident we can become champions again this year. I understand our athletes are shaping up well in centralised training at SMK Tabuan Jaya Sports Complex equipped with excellent facilities, including a synthetic track,” he said when presenting the state MSSS flag to the Sarawak contingent yesterday.
The Championship will be held in Ipoh, Perak from May 20 to 24.
Abdillah challenged the athletes to surpass their 24-gold-medal haul last year by aiming for more than 30 gold medals this time around.
He also announced incentives for the medallists — RM100 for a gold, RM50 for a silver and RM30 for a bronze. For every meet record broken, the athlete will get an extra RM100.
Abdillah assured the athletes he would seek funds for the incentives, adding that even the coaches would be rewarded.
To perform at their best, especially with regard to diet, he advised the athletes to follow the coaches’ instructions closely.
“Be careful about the food you take. Too hot and spicy food will cause stomach upsets — how can you compete at your best if you are not feeling well.”
He also told the athletes to be “very careful” with their personal belongings because any loss could affect their morale and performance. I hope all of you will also display strong camaradarie by supporting and cheering each other and singing motivational songs to keep team spirit high,” he added.
The Sarawak contingent of 85 athletes, 20 coaches and six officials will be led by Rosnani Yunus who is also Miri District Education Officer, and managed by Hassan Wa’Gani, the principal of SMK Tabuan Jaya State Sports School.
They will leave for Kuala Lumpur today and continue their journey to Ipoh by bus.
Also present at the flag presentation were State Education Department’s Human Development Management Sector head Ellen @ Manium Engang, Sports Sector head Paul Law, Samarahan District Education Officer Mahli Rosli and Sarawak Schools Sports Council (MSSS) technical and development officer Ting Siew Nguong.