Lee rallies Northern Zone to ‘fight’ for Suksar glory

MIRI (Feb 3): Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has called upon Northern Zone athletes to display a ‘fight to the finish’ spirit as they head to the fourth edition of the Sarawak Games ( Suksar).

The zone is sending 305 athletes to the Games to be hosted by the Western Zone comprising Sri Aman and Betong from Feb 5 to 8.

Speaking at the flag-handover ceremony at Miri City Stadium on Monday, the Senadin assemblyman expressed his fervent hope that the contingent would replicate their historic success at the inaugural edition in Kuching when they emerged as overall champions.

The Northern Zone contingent, led by chef-de-mission Datuk Nyurak Keti who is Bintulu Resident, comprised athletes, coaches and officials from Miri, Bintulu and Limbang divisions. It will compete in all 11 sports: weightlifting, cycling, basketball, netball, karate, table tennis, petanque, sepak takraw, softball, taekwondo and boxing.

Lee stressed that sports transcended mere pursuit of victory or medals, serving as an important platform for developing discipline, mental resilience, sportsmanship and leadership among the athletes.

In rallying the team spirits, Lee led the contingent in chanting ‘Spirit of the North’ three times before presenting the flag to the chef-de-mission.

“Carry this flag with full pride, responsibility and fighting spirit, as a symbol of unity and pride of the entire Northern Zone community,” the minister urged.

Also present at the ceremony were assistant chefs-de-mission Limbang Resident Haji Unus Tambi’s representative and Miri Resident Galong Luang, officials from the respective Resident and District offices, District Education officers and parents of the athletes.

The Northern contingent will leave for 4th Suksar in eight buses from Miri and Bintulu on Tuesday.