Sabah Bodybuilding Association Pays Courtesy Visit to MEDC Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick

19 July 2025

PENAMPANG: The Sabah Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) paid a successful courtesy visit to Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), at his office in Penampang on 16 July 2025.

Led by SBBA President Clarence Runggi, the delegation included Association Advisers Joanes Stanislaus and Jesley Dayah, Treasurer Jeffery Thaddeus, and Committee Members Geinod Lozitin and Billy Jinawat.

During the meeting, Clarence outlined SBBA’s preparations for the upcoming Mr Sabah 2025 Bodybuilding Championship, scheduled to take place on 2 August 2025 at Dewan Seri Sulaman in Tuaran. The event will serve as the official platform to select athletes who will represent Sabah at the Mr Malaysia 2025 National Championship.

Ewon welcomed the initiative and proposed that SBBA also consider hosting the Mr Borneo 2025 Championship in Kota Belud, recommending Dewan Taginambur as a suitable venue. He suggested the inclusion of children’s and under-21 youth categories to help discover and nurture young talent in the sport.

SBBA responded positively to the suggestion and confirmed its intention to organise Mr Borneo 2025 later this year.

As a gesture of support, Ewon allocated RM10,000 in funding to SBBA to assist with the execution of Mr Sabah 2025, providing additional financial support for the event’s planning and logistics.

The Minister expressed strong backing for SBBA’s efforts to grow the sport across the state, citing bodybuilding’s increasing popularity and its value in promoting youth engagement, physical discipline, and healthy living.

“We want to see more young people getting involved in sports like bodybuilding, which builds not only strength, but character and confidence,” he said.

SBBA President Clarence Runggi extended his gratitude to Datuk Ewon for the contribution and ongoing encouragement, urging athletes across the state to complete their online registration without delay to secure their place in the championship.

“We don’t want anyone to miss out. Register early, stay focused in your training, and let’s make this year’s championship a resounding success,” he said.

The public is also invited to attend Mr Sabah 2025 on 2 August to witness Sabah’s top athletes compete for state honours at one of the most anticipated events in the local sporting calendar.