Temenggong highlights sportsmanship at school ball games

SIBU (March 25): Sportsmanship goes beyond performance, encompassing respect for opponents, adherence to rules, perseverance, teamwork and accepting defeat, said Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.

According to the Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management (Dong Zong) honorary chairman and advisor, these values of sportsmanship will accompany students throughout their lives.

Lau said this at a dinner marking the closing of the 7th Sarawak Chinese Independent Secondary School Ball Games, held last weekend at Catholic High School here.

Organised by the Sarawak United Association of Boards of Management of Chinese Independent Schools and hosted by the school, the four-day event attracted 722 students from 14 Chinese Independent Secondary Schools across Sarawak, competing in basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.

Basketball attracted 270 players, volleyball 157, badminton 196, and table tennis 100 participants in team events.

“The meaning of sports competitions is never just about winning or losing, but about becoming braver, more determined, and more mature,” Lau said.

“The fighting spirit, perseverance, and teamwork displayed by players on the field are invaluable strengths for facing future life challenges.”

Looking ahead to the 2028 Sarawak Chinese Independent Secondary Schools Ball Games, Lau said he hoped to see all 14 schools participate in at least two events.

He encouraged schools to begin identifying and training players early to strengthen preparations.

Earlier, he announced a RM3,000 contribution for the Sarawak Chinese Independent Secondary School team should they succeed at the National Chinese Independent Secondary Schools Ball Games in Bukit Mertajam, Penang from Aug 31 to Sept 4.

He reminded all selected teams to maintain discipline, continue training, and showcase their strength and spirit on the national stage, making their schools, parents, and fellow students proud.