Dr Ong Kong Swee
KUCHING: Sarawak is well represented in the Malaysian contingent currently competing in the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Nine athletes from the state – Olympic diving medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Olympic swimmer Welson Sim, track sprinters Jonathan Nyepa and Nixson Kennedy, hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, shooter Bibiana Ng Pei Chin, hockey player Fazillah Sylvester Silin, squash player Sanjay Singh Chal and young diver Kimberly Bong – are in action in the Gold Coast.
Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee said the good number of athletes from the state is due to the support given by the Sarawak Government as the state strives to become a sports powerhouse in the nation.
“The Sarawak government is very supportive of our athletes doing well not only at the Sukma level but also at the international level as it strives to make the state a Sports Powerhouse.
“Sarawak was also well represented at the last SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur with 43 athletes who won 11 gold medals as well as some silver and bronze medals in athletics, swimming, wushu, squash and also in the team events like water polo and rugby where Sarawak players were members of the national teams.
“We support international athletes who are training in places like Bukit Jalil, Bandar Penawar (Johor) and the Sabah Sports Schools by monitoring their progress and provide welfare in the form of monetary incentives and other forms like supplement for bodybuilders and exposure.
“Athletes like Jonathan Nyepa, Nixson Kennedy, Grace Wong, Jackie Wong or swimmer Welson Sim are not eligible for the next Sukma in Perak but they are still in our plans to support them.
“We even help subsidise them in their exposure trips which may not bear the full expenses for their services. They are very important in Sarawak as the present government view them in our development to make our image as a sports powerhouse and we also make sure that they train properly over there,” said Ong.
In the case of SEA Games champion hammer thrower Grace Wong Xiu Mei, Sarawak brought her back from Bukit Jalil to Sarawak where it is deemed better in her development under her renowned former coach in Sarikei, Thomas Ling Neng Tung.
Eighteen-year-old Grace is reported to be injured and she opted out of the Commonwealth Games as the date clashed with her SPM exam.