KUCHING (Apr 12): Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan has commended the Sarawak Powerlifting Association (PPNS) and Sarawak Weightlifting Association (PABNS) for coming together in organising a joint event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two sports bodies joined forces in running the Weightlifting Lift-Off Open Sarawak 2021 and Sarawak Powerlifting Meet 2021 at AEON Mall here last weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth weightlifting and powerlifting are strength-based sports \u2013 each has the word \u2018lift\u2019, meaning that the athlete lifts something and is being assessed based on certain technical criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlso, I see you guys as \u2018abang dan adik\u2019 (big brother and little brother) \u2013 learning from each other and working as a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCollaborations are encouraged, not only with the authorities and the sponsors, but also among yourselves. Here, I praise both associations for coming together in holding this event,\u201d said Snowdan yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, he officiated at the kick-off of Sarawak Powerlifting Meet 2021, and also the closing ceremony of the Weightlifting Lift-Off Open Sarawak 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On powerlifting, Snowdan believed that the modern form of the sport derived from an athletic practice by the ancient Greeks, who judged each other\u2019s strength by lifting heavy stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, PPNS president Vincent Mallang Alfred said his team was very grateful for the opportunity to work with PABNS under the leadership of Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is definitely strength in unity, as powerlifting and weightlifting both fall under the category of strength-based sport, which requires intensive training and deep technical understanding,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vincent also said his association was eyeing the setting-up of divisional branches in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is to further develop existing and new athletes by providing them access to certified powerlifting coaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe only way all this could be achieved is through meticulous planning on our side, and through continuous support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC),\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) director Dr Ong Kong Swee, Saradise group chief executive Dato Chris Chung and AEON Mall Kuching Central management representative Iskandar Zainal were also present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n