Dr Gregory Hii
SIBU: The 20 successful applicants for the sixth edition of the Hii King Leng-Top Sports Stars Award (HKL-TSS) have been identified.
“We’ll contact them over the next few days,” said award initiator and 2015 Sports Figure, Dr Gregory Hii Sui Cheng, adding that the secretariat had yet to pick a date for the presentation of awards.
According to him, the winners come from all fields, including athletics (shot putt and hammer throw), taekwondo, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, swimming and international chess.
He said his side had received 31 applications, including those from Miri, Sarikei, Bintangor and host Sibu.
“This is the first time that the figure has hit the 30 mark.
“We also hope to get applications from Kuching or the southern region in order to make the award a truly Sarawakian affair,” he said.
Each winner will walk away with RM600 and a certificate.
Hii said the award is aimed at academic excellence, rewarding top Sarawak student athletes.
“I believe we are the only one in Sarawak to do so. It reflects my own belief that sport is an important component of a wholesome education that helps build character, discipline, determination and also a healthy body – all essential ingredients for success in today’s increasingly competitive and complicated society,” he added.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the recipient of the HKL-Sports Volunteer Extraordinaire Award (HKL-SVE) has been confirmed.
The secretariat received three nominees, one from Sibu and two from Miri.
This special award, which entitles the winner RM1,500 plus a certificate, is meant to give recognition to outstanding sports personalities or volunteers who have contributed substantially and significantly towards the development of sports in Sarawak.