KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, has urged young footballers to seize the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Petronas Closed Youth Football Championship as a stepping stone to a professional career.
Speaking at the championship’s opening ceremony at Sarawak Stadium on Friday, Rentap said that sports could be a powerful platform for personal and professional growth.
“Sports are for everyone’s success,” he said.
“If the people of Sarawak are strong, we can win anything we set our sights on. Use the ‘Ngap Sayot’ spirit to elevate football, and all of you will become champions one day.”
A total of 56 teams, representing 23 football academies and schools from Kuching, Samarahan, and Sri Aman, are participating in the championship.
Four age-group categories are being contested: 10, 12, 14, and 16 years old.
He also encouraged parents to attend the matches and support their children.
“We want to see the stadium full. Thank you to the parents for supporting their children,” he said.
“Without their support, success in sports or any other field would not be possible.”
He urged players to maintain sportsmanship and build friendships.
Also present were Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Political Secretary to the Premier Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, MYSED Permanent Secretary Morshidi Fredrick, and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) Chief Executive Officer Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan.
