Ellron (third left) presenting the mock cheque to Mad Sarin.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 5): The Youth and Sports Ministry has contributed RM111,000 to 222 Sabah’s student-athletes enrolled at the Malaysia Sports School Sabah (SSMS). Each of them will receive RM500 financial aid.
Minister Datuk Ellron Angin presented the mock cheque to SSMS principal Mad Sarin Rahim.
Also present were the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary (sports) Adanan Atin and Sabah Sports Council (MSN Sabah) director Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor.
In his speech, Ellron said it was the ministry’s annual ‘turun padang’ programme to assess the development of Sabah athletes at the sports school.
“This is the first visit of the year under the programme and after SSMS, we will organise similar programme for our Sabahan athletes at Malaysia Sports School Pahang, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (Johor) and Bukit Jalil Sports School (Kuala Lumpur).
“We will gather all the athletes (from the three schools) to attend a similar appreciation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Ellron went on to say that the purpose of the visit was to create an opportunity for the ministry to interact with the school management, coaches and the students.
“Being here (SSMS) allows us to understand the needs and challenges faced by the students, who are willing to be far away from their families in pursuit of their dream in the sports arena.
“I certainly hope our athletes will be successful and ultimately bring honours to Sabah and Malaysia at international or world stage,” said Ellron.
The SSMS recipients of the financial aid are from swimming, diving, weighlifting, football, hockey, archery and athletics.
Meanwhile, Ellron said the ministry in collaboration with SSMS has established training centres for archery and weightlifting at the school.
All necessary facilities for both sports are funded by the state Youth and Sports Ministry, he said.
“Through the Sabah Sports Council, the ministry is also involved in supporting and sending our athletes to the Thailand Sports School Championship for Weighlifting, Taiwan National School Athletics Championship and the Sarawak Youth Archery Championship in 2024.
“I hope that all our student-athletes will continue to train diligently, always demonstrate high level of discipline and avoid negative influence.
“I also want to advise them to stay healthy and always communicate with their parents and inform them of their development,” concluded Ellron.
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