KUCHING: The Sarawak Skateboarding Association (SSA) received praise from the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) for the successful holding of the Sarawak Skateboarding Championship 2023.
According to Awang Putrayusri, CEO of Sarawak Sport Corporation, represented by officer Ikmal Afandi, the event not only commemorates Sarawak’s 60th independence anniversary but also celebrates Go Skateboarding Day, observed worldwide on June 21.
The championship aimed to expand the skateboarding scene in Sarawak, particularly among the youth, and is expected to further promote the sport in the region.
“The programme holds great significance, emphasizing the potential benefits it can bring to the sport and the community,” said Awang Putrayusri.
He highlighted the growing popularity of skateboarding, noting its inclusion as a sport in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila and its recognition in major international competitions such as the Asian Games and the Olympic Games in Japan.
Sarawak had an exceptional representative who made it to the finals, demonstrating the region’s talent and commitment to the sport.
With upcoming competitions scheduled in Sibu, Miri, and Kuching, there is hope that one of the participants may eventually represent Sarawak on the Olympic stage.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Farouk, President of the Sarawak Skateboarding Association, pleaded with the government to recognise and support the construction of a world-class skatepark, reflecting the aspirations of the community.
He said that a world-class skatepark in Sarawak would not only symbolize the region’s dedication to the growth of skateboarding and the youth but also provide local talents with the necessary resources to reach their full potential.