Kota Kinabalu: The first edition of the Sabah Dancesport Championship 2023 organised by Sabah Dancesport Association (SBDA) held in conjunction with its 27th anniversary celebration at the Putera Ballroom in Bukit Padang here on November 11 proved to be a huge success.
A total of 72 contestants from Sabah and Sarawak took part in the one-day competition with 29 events being held covering standard and latin ballroom for solo, couple and/or formation categories.
The finals held in the evening was officiated by Sabah Sports Council deputy director I Valerie Wong representing Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin.
SBDA president John Chong was delighted with the positive response, especially with the participation of 45 young school students.
“We are pleased that this championship turned out to be very successful.
The number of participants had actually exceeded our expectations and it is going to be an annual event.
“This encouraging response is in line with the main objective of Sabah DanceSport Association to develop, encourage and promote DanceSport, especially at the state level.
“We have helped to produce many professional teachers/trainers, medallists, and officials over the years.
“Early this year ,with the help of the education department and the respective schools principals, our members were able to teach the sport in various schools and the presence of the 45 junior dancers competing in the juvenile events is the result of their support.
“We hope with the continued support from the government and the relevant agencies , we will be able to train more local youth in dancesport,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to organising chairman Henry Chua and his committee as well as all the volunteers for their hard work to ensure the success of the championship and also to Sabah Sports Council, the Education Department, the delegation from Sarawak, schools’ principals, teachers and parents for their support.
Meanwhile, also present at the finals were Malaysian Dancesport Federation’s secretary Chester Lim, who is also Sarawak Dancesport Association president and Sabah Sports Council’s development officer Fathin Faqihah Mohd Yusuf.
