KUCHING: A total of 1,131 athletes and officials are participating in the 14th edition of the Malaysian Inter-State Foundation Sports Festival (PESAYA) hosted by Sarawak Foundation here.
The event scheduled for Feb 10 to Feb 19 is being participated by 13 state foundation agencies from Sabah, Kelantan, Johor, Pahang, Perak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Kedah, Selangor, Terengganu, Federal Territory and Sarawak.
They will compete in Football, Badminton, Handball, Netball, Volleyball, Tenpin Bowling, Darts, E-Sports, Futsal, Golf, Carom, Petanque, Ping Pong, and Sepak Takraw.
According to the Sarawak Foundation Director Mersal Abang Rosli, its organisation had received cooperation from 14 sports associations under the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to ensure the events run smoothly.
“Indeed, in organising such a large sports event, the Sarawak Foundation really needs the cooperation of all parties and greatly appreciates the commitment shown.
“For all the athletes involved, despite our serious pursuit of victory, let’s not forget the real objective of the event, which is to strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood among us.
“This is because in our big family, PESAYA is a tradition and it is an event where we can gather, socialise and get to know each other,” he said at the ceremony in Stadium Perpaduan here on yesterday (Feb 10).
He said as Sarawak Foundation is the host of PESAYA this time, it will do its best to show the uniqueness of Sarawak to all the participants here.
“We will hold several programmes that will highlight the state’s uniqueness. One of it is highlighting the Malay culture of Sarawak with a Gendang Melayu Sarawak performance, and through the Sukan Rakyat, athletes will have the opportunity to row the perahu tambang on the Sarawak River.
“Aside from that, we will also have a special performance that will portray the cultural diversity found in Bumi Kenyalang,” he added.
