Sports can foster stronger unity amongst the people
Published on: Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Kota Belud: Participating in sports is a form of nation building and can foster stronger unity among the people. Upko Kota Belud Chief, Ewon Benedick said sports is an unifying factor and should be encouraged at all levels of society."We, Malaysians, are all in unison to support and pray for the success of our athletes competing in the recent Olympics. ADVERTISEMENT We were emotionally enjoying the excitement together while watching Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Pandelela Rinong, Azizulhasni Awang and the other teammates doing their best to win their games in the prestige Olympics sport arena."It is when we play sports that we forget about our political differences. Instead, we embrace the spirit of patriotism and unity among us through sports. Our national unity therefore is actually within reach and that is what we need to face the present and future challenges our country is facing," he said.Ewon was speaking when flagging off the Tanak Nabalu Run organised by the Tanak Nabalu Homestay in Kg. Lobong-Lobong, Kota Belud on Tuesday. More than 300 participants took part in the event. Safrey Sumping emerged as the champion for the 21km men open category, while Elvina Jimin won the women category. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, Roger Herman emerged as champion for the 10km men category and Mailin Salungin for the women category.
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A day earlier, Safrey together with Mailin and Fariza Sumping won the 50km trio category. Ewon also congratulated Duanis Mogirong, who is the President of Sabah Homestay Association and Chairman of Tanak Nabalu Homestay for organising the event in conjunction with the national day celebration. "Certainly, this initiative is worth to be supportive by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sports and other relevant agencies as it does not only promote patriotism and unity, but it also promotes local tourist attraction as evidenced in this event where international tourists also took part in the run. "We hope they will help us promote our country especially this little village, Kg. Lobong-Lobong at the foothill of Kinabalu and they can share their experiences of viewing our beautiful scenery and harmonious society of ours here in Sabah," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Ewon, who is also Political Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Sabah, hoped that the government would consider to formulate a policy similar to sport event to be organised not only in urban areas but also in rural areas with tourism potentials."We will not go wrong when we invest in programmes that promotes unity," he said.