Kota Kinabalu: A total of 90 students from SJK St James in Likas attended the beginners training session organised by Sabah Soft Tennis Association (SSTA) here at the Likas Tennis Courts recently.
President Justine Liew said the season opener was one of their programmes to develop the sport in the State.
“Apart from unearthing future talents in soft tennis, we believe the programme will also help to encourage healthy living as well as character building for these kids.
“We also encouraged the parents to join in the training with their children to strengthen family bonds,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the school’s principal Andrew Chong Man Kuen for allowing their scouting programme to be held at the school in December last year where sets of soft tennis equipment were donated by the State body. He also thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry, Sports Commission, Sabah Sports Council and Sabah Sports Board for their support.
Meanwhile, head coach KK Chin said rackets will be provided to the trainees throughout January.
“The parents have been informed not to buy rackets for their children this month. “We are providing rackets for the players during this period to ensure that they are really into the game to avoid unnecessary burden to the parents,” he said.
He also called on those wanting to play tennis to try out soft tennis as it will help them to move faster and hit better.
Chin who has been appointed as competition manager with Christopher Chong as International Technical Officer (ITO) Umpire at the upcoming 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia revealed that a soft tennis road show conducted by Malaysia Soft Tennis Association with him as coordinator will be held here in March.
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