By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS) and Megalanes Sarawak have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said through the Agreement, Megalanes Sarawak would provide a platform called Tenpin Bowling Sport Hub in Batu Kawa for the athletes to train under the supervision and management of ABAS and supported by the SSC.
“This is one of the long-term strategies to discover new talents and provide athletes with holistic training and coaching in preparation for the 2028 Olympics,” he said when witnessing the MOA exchange ceremony held at Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Kuching today.
Snowdan also lauded ABAS for their capability to be independent and commitment towards 2028 Olympics.
“I believe Sarawak can produce many athletes…it is just a matter of how we can groom them up through associations with coaching expertise, exposure and training programmes.
“If we can do all these, I believe Sarawak can achieve its target to become a sports powerhouse in the country soon,” he added.
ABAS has already produced two world champions so far, namely Jonathan Lim and Jacqueline Sijore.
At present, two girls from Sarawak are in the national squad namely Nerosha Keligit and Gillian Lim.
At the same time, Snowdan explained that many associations have slowed down their training and coaching activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the ones who are preparing for Malaysia Games (Sukma) and any other international games, were asked to continue with closed-door training.
“Continuous training is important for our athletes to keep their momentum. That is why some of our athletes are requested to report on their home-based training to their superiors.
“Now that the sports sector are starting to open up slowly post Covid-19, we will be able to fully bring back our momentum,” he said.
Also present were SSC chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee, ABAS deputy president Shaifulbahri Shukri, ABAS vice president Robert Lu Nam Min, Johan Perwira Sdn Bhd (Megalanes) management director Jackie Ting Nik Chai and SSC Sports Development Division manager Ahmad Rodzli Hashim. — DayakDaily.
