SDLTA seeking players for Junior Devt Programme

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Simon Tiong

SIBU: Sibu Division Lawn Tennis Association (SDLTA) is seeking assistance from schools to scout for players to be enrolled in its Junior Development Programme.

SDLTA 1st vice-president Simon Tiong said the programme is a whole year through event with a series of activities which include competitions.

Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting last weekend, Wong said participants in junior programmes as in other sports are mostly school students.

He noted that the game of lawn tennis is facing a serious drought in the supply of players from the schools, not only in Sibu, but possibly throughout the state.

“In Miri, they have a full time coach, yet there are only a few players training under him,” he said.

He said if teachers are not heavily involved in sports, there would be no athletes or players among students and it would be difficult for sports to develop.

Also calling on parents to give support to their children’s involvement in sports, Tiong said SDLTA would do its utmost best, including recruiting more players.

Meanwhile, Tiong said beginners may just start off in any open space such as basketball or volleyball court.

“Here is where they pick up the game, with teachers’ guidance.”

He added that teachers can attend the Play Tennis Course to be held here from June 28 to 30 to increase their knowledge in the sport.

Separately, Tiong said SDLTA would stage the Sarawak Inter-Division and Sarawak Closed Tennis Championships simultaneously from March 22 to 24.

Those interested may register with the tennis associations in their respective areas.