Brunei For World Athletics Meet

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam will be among 21 countries taking part in the 18th Malaysian International Masters Athletics Championship - the Sabah Veteran Athletics Association (Savat) in Kota Kinabalu from August 27-29, the New Sabah Times reported.

Organising committee chairman Haji Ghulam Sayeed confirmed this at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu.

He said among the countries that have confirmed their participation are Brunei Darussalam, Russia, Australia, USA, UK, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, China and the Philippines to name a few.

"All the States of Peninsular Malaysia will also be represented on a statewide basis," he added.

"The total number of athletes participating in this meet so far is about 430 with more entries expected as the days proceed," said Haji Ghulam, who is also Savat president.

He then pointed out: "Our objective is not only to promote veteran athletics on a global scale, but also to put Sabah on the world map."

"Since athletes from so many countries will be coming to Sabah, there will be a tremendous boost to the State's economy and a future inflow of tourists making Sabah known to the world," he reckoned.

"This meet will also bring about a great awareness among the ageing population towards their better health and fitness.

"It will also be a motivational factor for young and upcoming athletes of the world to see for themselves what athletics can do to promote good health in the international society," he added.

In the upcoming championship to be held at the Likas Stadium Haji Ghulam said: "The special event being conducted for the first time in this meet is the half marathon. It will be held on August 29 (morning), starting from the Sutera Harbour area and finishing at the Likas Stadium."

He also announced that Suleiman Arman, the Sabah Sports Board's coach, would lead the Sabah contingent.

For the record, Sabah under the leadership of Haji Ghulam has won this championship for the past seven years, both at national and international levels.

"This time around, we intend to repeat this performance on home soil," said Haji Ghulam.

"We also intend to take advantage of this meet to honour our old veteran Olympians, national and international athletes, giving them due honour and recognition and also present them with awards.

Haji Ghulam said a cultural extravaganza sponsored by the Sabah Tourism Board along with a dinner would be held on August 28, to display the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Sabah to the international athletes.

He also confirmed that the Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah together with the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, and the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun will grace the closing ceremony.

Athletes who wish to take part in the championship may contact Puan Mariam Jainol at 019-8611290 or Haji Ghulam at 019-8028388. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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