MIRI: Three former Mr Sarawak will take to the stage to vie for the Mr Sarawak 2008 title tomorrow.

The competition will take place at Imperial Hotel starting 1pm.

Mr Sarawak 2005 Saiful Bahri from Miri, Mr Sarawak 2006 Mohd Ermi Zulkifli and Mr Sarawak 2007 George Awi, both from Kuching, will flex their muscle with 29 other participants in the annual event.

The competition will witness the most number of participation from Miri with 14 contestants, Sibu nine and Kuching seven.

Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan will officiate at the championship and present prizes to the winners.

Miri Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBB) secretary Hanafi Abu Bakar said there would be a number of new faces.

“Among the contestants expected in the championship are former Mr Miri George Polo who contested in the Veteran and Welterweight categories. George has been Mr Miri numerous times,” he said.

Elaborating, Hanafi said the Junior category this year will see strong competition among the new faces.

He added that focus would be on Dexter Bong from Kuching, Corlineus Olwints who was Mr Beach Miri earlier this year, and Jerry Thien from Miri. They will compete in the Junior category.

“We will be taking the contestants’ weight this Friday (today). This is to identify which categories they fall into. The process will take place at Imperial Hotel from 3pm to 5pm,” he disclosed.

According to Hanafi, winners from all the nine categories of Mr Sarawak will represent the state in the Mr Malaysia 2008 championship in Negeri Sembilan from July 22 to 25.

Apart from the contest, the audience will be entertained by Go Shin-Ryu karate practitioners.

“There will be a Kata and Kumite performance, mixed martial art or Nunchak presentation, tiles breaking show and street defence demonstration,” he added.

Tickets to witness the Mr Sarawak 2008 championship are priced at RM15 each available at Extreme Gym Imperial Hotel (085-427360), Hi-Rep Gym at Saberkas Commercial Centre (085-658142) or contact Maria (016-8859505).

The tickets will also be on sale at the entrance of the championship’s venue on competition day.