KUCHING: Sarawak hopes to host the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) World Championship next year.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Sarawak is capable of hosting big event such as the WDSF championship.
She highlighted Sarawak’s exceptional facilities and capabilities, which have been recognised by the chief adjudicator of the Borneo Open International Dancesport Championship and Convention (BOIDC) 2023.
“The chief adjudicator thinks that Sarawak has the facilities, which is important. Sarawak is also capable of hosting the world championship under the World DanceSport Federation,” she said when officiating at the BOIDC 2023 event at Raia Hotel here last night (June 4).
Fatimah also pointed out that the year 2024 would be an important year for Sarawak as it would host the Para Sukma Games.
“So why not (do) another big events such as the WDSF championship since we have the facilities, ability and capability to be the host?
“So, on my part, I will inform my colleague, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah) as well Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the Sarawak cabinet of the possibility of hosting the esteemed WDSF World Championship.
“Just send us a letter (her ministry) and we will do the rest for you,” she added.
The BOIDC 2023 marked Sarawak’s first-ever international dancesport competition.
Apart from Sarawak and a few Malaysian states, other participating were the Philippines, Australia, China, Hong Kong (China), Italy, France, Slovenia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.
During the event, Fatimah presented prizes to the Kuala Lumpur team of Ooi Ken Vin and Zoe Tan Zi Wei, who won the Youth A Open Latin category, defeating Hong Kong’s Lam Tsz Kwan Arie and Kwok On Yu, who placed as runners-up.
Vincent Lee Chen Sheng and Chong Le Xuan, as well as Jason Lee Chong Sheng and Trixie Poon Yue Qing, both represented Kuala Lumpur and took third and fourth spots respectively.
Among those present were Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Datuk Richard Wee, DanceSport Asia (DSA) secretary general John Fam, BOIDC 2023 organising chairperson Chan Tyng Tyng, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) chief executive officer (CEO) Amelia Roziman, Malaysia Dancesport Federation (MYDF) chairman Chua Zjen Fong and Sarawak Mirage Club founder Datin Amar Catherine Wee.
