SIBU: The Prowira Badminton Academy has received a grant amounting to RM7,000 in conjunction with the inauguration of its badminton courts located at Catholic High School, yesterday.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the establishment of the academy was aimed at producing more future badminton stars.
“The academy is now equipped with comfortable facilities after the upgrading and repairing work.
“With the current facilities and also with the support from corporate bodies, the community, Sarawak can become a powerhouse in badminton,” she enthused.
“It is really amazing and very encouraging to see contributions from corporate bodies, especially here in Sibu.
“This facility can also be used to organise international competitions. So, people in Sibu should be proud of the support and spirit shown.”
For the record, the academy was established in 2001, with only two trainees, and run by coach Ngu Siew Siong.
Now the academy has 150 trainees with eight coaches led by Ngu and Columba Tiong, who are also the founders of the academy, and another six assistant coaches.
About 70 to 80 trainees have gone on to represent Sarawak at state-level competitions.
Also present at the ceremony were Catholic High School principal Brother Anthony Tay, school board member Wong Jin Young and MAXX Sport Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Hoo Chang Siong.
