GEDONG: Newcomers in the sport of the Strongest Man are encouraged to compete in the event in conjunction with the Mr Badang Gedong Festival 2023.
George Fredrick Noew, the festival’s technical chief said participation of newcomers is significant for the sport in finding the next crop of strongman athletes.
He said 12 out of 17 participants competing in the sport are newcomers while the rest are veterans in the sport.
“Overall, we are very satisfied and happy because the participation we received this time is quite high and unexpected.
“Not only did we receive participations from other parts of Sarawak, there are also individuals from Sabah competing,” he said during the festival at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali on Saturday (July 29).
Mr Badang Gedong Festival 2023 was jointly organised by the Gedong District Office and Samarahan Division Sports Youth Office in collaboration with the Sarawak Strongmen Association (SSA).
The strongman competition which featured seven routines was won by Richmond Mackenzie Toty of Kampung Singai, Bau.
Hamzah Sepenmalijan was the runner-up while third place went to Muhammad Redzuan Rosli.
The top 10 participants also brought home certificates and trophies presented by Batang Sadong Member of Parliament Rodiyah Sapiee.
Also present were Gedong District Officer Abdul Khalid Manap, Youth and Sports Officer Samarahan Abu Zaid Abu Bakar, SSA President Ricky Poh and other representatives.
