Sports promote solidarity and teamwork

11 November 2024

PENAMPANG: The Kapayan State Assemblyman office successfully organised a Sports Carnival 5.0 at the Penampang Sports Complex today.

“Sports play a crucial role in promoting physical health, helping us stay active, and building mental resilience, discipline, and teamwork, as well as fostering harmony,” Jannie Lasimbang the Kapayan State Assemblywoman said during the opening ceremony.

“Engaging in sports also cultivates social connections, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together and nurturing a sense of community spirit," she said adding that this year marks the fifth annual Sports Carnival, featuring four types of sports: basketball, table tennis, volleyball, and futsal.

Basketball and table tennis were managed by their respective organisations, which means we have indirectly supported them throughout the five Sports Carnivals.

"The Penampang Basketball Association brought together 16 teams, totaling 70 players. The Alan Table Tennis Club, which has collaborated with us, contributed 80 players, primarily from primary and secondary schools," Jannie said.

Futsal attracted 16 teams with 160 players, while 14 teams comprising 140 all-women players competed in the volleyball open.

“We are committed to establishing associations for futsal and volleyball in Penampang, as these sports are popular among the youth.

Jannie expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Penampang Sports Board for upgrading all the courts this year.

“Thank you also to RELA and the Penampang Red Crescent Association for their invaluable support."

“I take pride in the continuity of the Sports Carnival organized by my office."

Participants have noted that Penampang is gaining recognition in the sports arena due to our dedication to promoting sports through this Carnival and our ongoing funding for school sports competitions, according to her.