GEDONG: Only about 44.9 per cent of youth in the state are presently active in sports and a concerned Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development wants to do something about it.
The data derived from a survey undertaken by the ministry has made it all the more determined to inculcate a sports culture among the younger lot in the state.
“It means that we need to come out with plans to encourage more youth in Sarawak to get interested in sports,” said Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the launching of the Sarawak X-Tive 2022 programme at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali, here on Saturday (March 5).
Karim said in other countries, sports complexes were always occupied for variety of sports activities.
“That is why we really want our youth and our community to be active, as it is good for our mind and body,” he pointed out.
He said the state government, under the leadership Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved about 17 mini sports complex throughout Sarawak.
“With the completion of these complexes, our community can make use of these facilities for leisure and sports activities.
“From there, we can identify potential athletes who could represent the state and the country and pursue careers in sports in future,” he said.
On the event, Karim said Sarawak X-tive was a main programme for the ministry to bring about a more active sports life among the society.
“Recently, the ministry also launched activities for the whole year in Sarawak with the motto ‘no week without any programme’.
“Among sports activities that we have been planned to do are e-sports, extreme sports, arm wrestling and many others,” he added.
Sarawak X-Tive was held simultaneously with 12 other divisions all over the state involves sports and leisure activities.
