KUCHING: The Bidayuh has to be more serious in developing their potential in sports in order to reach higher levels, says Tarat assemblyman Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He said there were many talented and potential sportsmen and women among the community but lacked the will to develop them.

He cited football, where at least two players from Tarat constituency, were representing the state in football a few years back.

The assemblyman said this when he opened the Roland Sagah Challenge Trophy football competition at Kampung Menjau, Jalan Puncak Borneo, near here yesterday.

He pointed out that the community should not have the inferiority complex, and afraid to show their talents. They must be brave and rise up to the challenge if they wanted to reach the national or international levels.

He stressed that the community should emulate sports personalities from many countries in Africa, who despite being poor, managed to do well in sports.

“Many of those sport personalities come from very poor nations, who despite the various obstacles, do very well in sports. It’s worthy of emulation,” Sagah said, adding that body size should not be made an obstacle to succeed in sports.

The assemblyman also said that various sports competitions were already in the pipeline, to be held in the area, organised by Tarat Sports Club.

Among them were futsal, basketball and sepak takraw, which were all good grounds for youth to participate in healthy activities.

Meanwhile, the competition organising chairman Elon Tadong said it was the second consecutive year that the village was hosting the tournament.

He said the competition was an important platform to foster unity and friendship among the Bidayuh villages.

Pemanca Austin Dimin was among those present at the function.

KUCHING: The Bidayuh has to be more serious in developing their potential in sports in order to reach higher levels, says Tarat assemblyman Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He said there were many talented and potential sportsmen and women among the community but lacked the will to develop them.

He cited football, where at least two players from Tarat constituency, were representing the state in football a few years back.

The assemblyman said this when he opened the Roland Sagah Challenge Trophy football competition at Kampung Menjau, Jalan Puncak Borneo, near here yesterday.

He pointed out that the community should not have the inferiority complex, and afraid to show their talents. They must be brave and rise up to the challenge if they wanted to reach the national or international levels.

He stressed that the community should emulate sports personalities from many countries in Africa, who despite being poor, managed to do well in sports.

“Many of those sport personalities come from very poor nations, who despite the various obstacles, do very well in sports. It’s worthy of emulation,” Sagah said, adding that body size should not be made an obstacle to succeed in sports.

The assemblyman also said that various sports competitions were already in the pipeline, to be held in the area, organised by Tarat Sports Club.

Among them were futsal, basketball and sepak takraw, which were all good grounds for youth to participate in healthy activities.

Meanwhile, the competition organising chairman Elon Tadong said it was the second consecutive year that the village was hosting the tournament.

He said the competition was an important platform to foster unity and friendship among the Bidayuh villages.

Pemanca Austin Dimin was among those present at the function.