Northern region proposed as Sarawak’s training hub for sailing

MIRI (Aug 21): Assistant chef de mission for the Sarawak’s sailing squad in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) Datuk Rosey Yunus is mulling to have the state’s first specialised training centre for this sport in the northern region.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development says the key objective is to nurture and enhance the skills of young sailing talents for future Sukma and other competitions.

“We hope that our proposal would get the support from the state government, perhaps to set up the centre at Pantai Bungai in Bekenu.

“After all, Bungai is facing the sea – making it a strategic location.

“We need to have other facilities to complement the training such as hostels,” the Bekenu assemblywoman told reporters when met at the sailing events’ venue on Marina Bay here yesterday.

Elaborating, Rosey pointed out that for Sarawak to advance in this sport, it must have the right facilities.

“We want to set sail for the future – not just training for Sukma, but also for the Olympics.”

Earlier, Rosey accompanied Sarawak’s CDM for Sukma XXI, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, in meeting the athletes competing in the sailing events at Marina Bay.

In his remark, Rentap called upon the young athletes to always do their best and strive to make the state proud.

“Sarawak has promised to reward those winning gold medals RM15,000, while silver and bronze medallists will receive RM5,000 and RM3,000, respectively.

“I want all of you to give your best,” said the state Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.

Sarawak athletes are participating in all 14 sailing categories in this Sukma.

Of the 18 athletes, two are 12 years old.