A Sabahan's sojourn in Paris

10 August 2024

PENAMPANG : Yap Ken Vun from Tenom, Sabah, seized the opportunity to visit Paris and attend the Paris 2024 Olympics as a personal goal and to showcase a piece of Sabah to the world.

Planning meticulously for three years after missing the Tokyo Games due to the pandemic, he was determined to make the trip happen.

Despite failing to secure tickets through the Olympic ticket draw, Yap persisted and eventually obtained a ticket for the badminton semifinals through the first-come-first-served sale.

To manage expenses, he opted to share accommodation costs with other supporters and diligently monitored flight prices on Skyscanner to stay within budget.

Yap's financial discipline was evident through his dedicated savings account for the Paris Olympics, where he consistently set aside RM300 to RM500 monthly.

Supplementing his income with part-time jobs like delivery services and his small business in Tenom, he ensured his dream of attending the Olympics became a reality.

During the games, he proudly donned the traditional Kadazandusun outfit, garnering attention on social media and showcasing his Sabahan roots to curious onlookers.

He even delighted spectators by performing a simple Sumazau dance at the Eiffel Tower Olympics Rings, embodying the spirit of unity and cultural pride.

Immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of Paris, Yap found joy in connecting with fellow Sabahans who were pleasantly surprised by his traditional attire.

His Olympic experience included witnessing thrilling badminton and athletics events, attending matches from the round of 16 to the finals across all categories, creating unforgettable memories that he will cherish for a lifetime.

Yap fondly remembers the bronze medal men's doubles match featuring Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Lee Zii Jia, a highlight he witnessed as a Malaysian supporter at the stadium.

During his time at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Yap had the privilege of watching renowned athletes like Malaysia's Azeem Fahmi in the 100m race, USA's Noah Lyles, and Sweden's Armand Duplantis in the men's pole vault, experiencing the thrill of world-class competition firsthand.

Beyond sports, Yap's journey to the Paris Olympics aimed to spotlight culture on a global platform.

Expressing his desire to showcase culture positively and promote greater cultural appreciation, he envisions a celebration and increased exposure for his heritage on the international stage.