By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 23: About 100 media practitioners traded their usual newsroom attire for colourful sarongs today as the Kuching Division Journalists’ Association (KDJA) brought them together for a lively Sukan Rakyat programme here.
Held at Chung Hua Middle School No. 4 in Jalan Haji Taha, the programme carried the theme “Sarong On, Game On”, with participants turning up in kain sarong as they took part in a series of traditional games designed to promote camaraderie, teamwork and healthy fun among media practitioners.
The programme featured Teng Teng, Boling Kelapa, Batu Seremban, Lumba Sarong, Tarik Guni, Spoon Relay and Tug of War, with the latter drawing particular excitement as teams battled it out in a spirited finale.
The sarong-themed event also offered a lighter side to the daily routine of media practitioners, bringing journalists, photographers and other media personnel together not to chase deadlines, but to compete, laugh and strengthen ties with one another.
Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Mordi Bimol, who attended the programme, described the theme as a fitting reflection of the cheerfulness, simplicity and sporting spirit behind traditional games.
He said media practitioners, who spend their days delivering news to the public, should also be given opportunities to unwind, exercise and build stronger relationships with fellow members of the profession.
Mordi, who briefly worked as a journalist with Utusan Borneo, also expressed appreciation to media practitioners for their contribution to the country’s development and their role in keeping the public informed.
Despite haze, he noted that the turnout remained strong, with nearly 100 media practitioners from across Kuching Division participating in the programme.
“Although we are facing haze, the response was no less enthusiastic,” he said, while encouraging participants to enjoy the event.
The Sukan Rakyat programme was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, Tay Motors Sdn Bhd, Nutrigold and Chung Hua Middle School No. 4 as sponsors and strategic partners.
The event was organised as part of KDJA’s efforts to strengthen bonds among media practitioners through activities beyond their professional duties. — DayakDaily
