KUCHING: Covid-19 has not only cast a long shadow on the way people live their lives but has also brought forth startling, even worrying, statistics on their state of health.
In Sarawak for instance about 1.8 million adults have been vaccinated against the virus with about 343,000 of them being elderly.
“However we have approximately 794,000 Sarawakians aged between 18 to 60, who are high risk in terms of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“This is a worrying trend because by 2030, Sarawak is going to be rich and powerful but the question is, whether the people will be healthy to enjoy it.”
Dr Sim raised the question while officiating at the inaugural Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC) Inter-Clubs Swimming Challenge Trophy 2022 at Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Petra Jaya on Saturday (Feb 26).
He said it was therefore imperative that everyone, both young and old, makes a sustained effort in remaining healthy.
In the event, he said, swimming is not just an individual sport but a form of exercise that can help the public maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Towards this end Dr Sim who is also PASC patron there was no better inspiration than being at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre.
It is an inspiration to the young generation that Sarawakians like Datuk Pandelela Rinong and Welson Sim Wee Sheng, can make it to the Olympics he said.
Meanwhile, PASC president Tan Kun Gee in his speech, said that swimming teaches discipline, respect, friendship, leadership, teamwork and a sense of good sportsmanship.
“All of them here are very excited and ready to hit the water and take on the competition.
“It is worth keeping in mind that winning or losing in any competition, is just part of the game. What matters most is to do your best, enjoy your game and aim to break your own record. Then, you will be real winners,” he said.
The opening ceremony also observed a minute of silence to honour those who had lost their lives due to Covid-19.
The two-day event from Feb 26 to 27, was participated by a total of 223 swimmers from seven swimming clubs – PASC, Sibu’s Dashing Dolphins Club, Art Swimming Club, Samarahan’s Power Penguin Swimming Club, Sarawak Club, Miri’s Top Speed Aquatic Swimming Club and Kawaras Swimming Club.
The closing ceremony today (Feb 27) will be officiated by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, Performing Arts, Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Also present at the opening ceremony are PASC advisor cum founder Voon Yong Hui and political secretary to the Chief Minister Tan Kai.
