By Amyra Varkisa & Natasha Jee
SIBU: A new community sports centre promised to the people here by Yayasan Azman Hashim in 2019 officially opened its doors to the public on yesterday evening.
The RM13.9 million sports centre comes equipped with various indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
“I am so happy to be back here tonight to fulfill our promise to the people of Sibu Jaya. In 2019, Yayasan Azman Hashim, my charitable foundation, pledged to donate this full-fledged community sports centre,” said Tan Sri Azman Hashim at the launch of the community sports centre and 6th Special Olympics of Sarawak State Games here on July 1.
Azman, who is also AmCorp Group Bhd executive chairman, said that since the groundbreaking ceremony, the construction team had worked tirelessly despite many difficulties encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Apart from the virus hazards, there were so many other disruptions brought about by Covid-19 such as border closure, travel restrictions, material supply, and labour shortages.
“Kudos to the construction team, consultants, and the sports specialist involved. Without their unfettered determination, the completion of this project would have been seriously delayed,” he said.
He hoped that with the new sports centre, more sports events would be held in Sibu Jaya, whether inter-city, state, or national level events.
“We also hope that along the way, new sports talents will be discovered and developed within Sibu Jaya itself,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak did not lack in world class athletes, sportsmen, and sportswomen, among them being National Diving Queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong Phamg, ‘The Flying Dayak’ Watson Nyambek and Malaysian Paralympic Weightlifting Bonnie Bunyau Gustin.
“I am also further delighted to learn that even our Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sibu Jaya Weightlifting Team bagged 15 gold and 10 silver medals during Sukan Sarawak 2019.
“Perhaps, with this community sports centre they and future generations will be able to excel to international levels in the future,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his time and willingness to officiate at the opening ceremony.
“May this community sports centre bring us better and healthier lifestyles, develop more sporting talents and contribute towards an even more prosperous Sibu Jaya in the future,” said Azman.
