SANDAKAN: Forty-six Libaran community teams participated in the first-ever 2023 Libaran Open Kaamatan Penalty Shootout Champions Fiesta launched in Sandakan by Pongo Sports Club with Umno Libaran Youth at FRC Sepilok Batu 14 football field, here, Saturday.
It was officiated by Sabah State Youth International Bureau who is also the Umno Libaran Youth Leader, Razlan Dandan.
Also present were the Pongo Sport Club President who is also the Organising Chairman, Henri Giau, sponsor representative, Shuaib Salzo, some former Sabah players and others.
Razlan said he welcomed the sports programme as it especially featured the youth of the area.
“We also hope that more non-governmental organisations such as the Pongo Sports Club will organise similar sports programmes and others to showcase the talents of our youth,” he added.
Henri said the programme was a continuation of the sports tourism programme held by his club before in an effort to further increase the spirit of good sportsmanship.
“We at the Pongo Sports Club also have the skills and licence to train football players which we can highlight and are ready to be absorbed into the Sabah Football Association (Safa) in the district and state,” he explained.
Sabah is also in need of goalkeeper and this event could be useful in unearthing this talent.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making the 2023 Libaran Open Kaamatan Penalty Shootout Champions Fiesta a success, which we are holding together for the first time,” he added.
In the near future, the club also plans to hold a 10,000 steps programme to promote a healthy lifestyle among the local community.
Shuaib said they were happy to help in making the fiesta a success.
“This is also a medium for young people to play sports and highlight their talents,” he said.
