Top school athletes to strengthen Sukma team

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Quek Lee Yong competing at the 42nd MSS Sarawak Track and Field Championship last week. He won the 400m in 50.81 sec and broke the record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 54.88 sec. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) is excited at the prospect of MSS Sarawak track and field record breakers joining the state contingent for Sukma 2014.

Twelve records were broken or equalled at the recently concluded 42nd MSS Sarawak Track and Field Championship.

Among the school athletes which caught the attention of MSNS are Norris Foo, Grace Wong, Jonathan Tinggang and Quek Lee Yong.

These four shared the limelight at the state schools meet with their performances and record-breaking feats.

MSNS acting director Lucas Kalang Laeng said, when contacted by The Borneo post yesterday, he would be contacting the Sarawak Amateur Athletics Association (SAAA) as soon as possbile to confirm the status of these athletes.

“These athletes should be included in the state contingent to Perlis this year as they have the great potential to win medals for the state. They are indeed our assets,” he added.

He explained that the normal procedure was for athletes to be selected to represent the state through the recommendation of the respective state sports associations which in this case is the SAAA.

“They (the athletes) are our future and we must do all we can to ensure that they put their talents to good use in bringing more honours for the state. We hope they know that the state cares about them,” he continued.

Meanwhile, when asked by The Borneo Post yesterday, SAAA secretary Leong Beng Kiong has confirmed that the four are among 30 who will be representing Sarawak in Sukma this year.

“We have just submitted a list of names to the MSNS recently. We really want them to represent Sarawak and let them have the feel of competing at such a prestigious event,” he commented.

This year’s Sukma XVII will be held in Perlis from May 24 to June 4.