Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah DanceSport Association (SBDA) marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the Sabah DanceSport Championship 2026, followed by its 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Dance here recently.
Its President Harold Chung said the auspicious occasion brought together athletes, coaches, officials, members, supporters and friends of DanceSport to celebrate sporting achievements and three decades of dedication to the development of DanceSport in Sabah.
He said the championship and anniversary celebration represented not only the association’s achievements over the past 30 years, but also SBDA’s continuing commitment to providing opportunities for athletes and strengthening the DanceSport community in Sabah.
“The Sabah DanceSport Championship 2026 featured 33 events with 45 participants, including 12 competitors from Sarawak, reflecting the growing interest in DanceSport and SBDA’s continuing efforts to provide a platform for athletes to compete, gain experience and develop their skills.
“Competitors took part in Solo Latin, Solo Standard and Formation events across Adult, Junior and Juvenile grades.
“Among the notable results, Eunice Ling Chen Xing emerged champion in Adult Grade A Solo Latin, while Valery Chung Yee Thong won the Junior Grade A Solo Latin title. Ashley Chua Wen Shuen took first place in Adult Grade A Solo Standard, while Krischelle Jade Cheong and Ng Fong Yi claimed top honours in their respective Sabah Closed Junior Grade C Latin and Sabah Closed Juvenile Grade C Solo Latin categories. Desiree Chua Wen Tying also emerged champion in the Sabah Closed Junior Grade C Solo Standard event,” he said.
In the Formation category, Harold said Excellence Division emerged champion, followed by Prima Ensemble in second place.
He said the results showcased a combination of experienced dancers and promising young athletes, underlining the continued development of DanceSport at the grassroots level.
The championship was attended and supported by representatives from the Majlis Sukan Negeri Sabah (MSNS) and Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sabah (JPNS), including Puan Sharifah Aisyah binti Mohammad of MSNS and Encik Steve George of JPNS.
Their presence reflected the cooperation between SBDA and the relevant sporting and education authorities in promoting DanceSport among the community and younger generation.
The championship was also supported by Teck Guan Trading Sdn Bhd and Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd, whose contributions helped SBDA continue organising the state-level championship and provide opportunities for local athletes.
Harold said the sporting celebration continued with the SBDA’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner & Dance, marking three decades of the association’s journey and contribution to DanceSport in Sabah.
“A life member of SBDA, Datin Seri Celestina Jinu officiated the event, whose long association with and contribution to the society made her presence particularly meaningful to the occasion.
“I express my appreciation and gratitude to the association’s past leaders, members, coaches, athletes, officials, supporters and sponsors who have contributed to SBDA’s development over the years,” he said.
Harold said the anniversary was not merely a celebration of the past, but also an opportunity to look towards the future and strengthen the foundation for the next generation of DanceSport athletes in Sabah.
As SBDA enters its fourth decade, he said the association looked forward to building on the achievements of the past 30 years and working together with athletes, studios, coaches, parents, government agencies and corporate partners to bring DanceSport to greater heights in Sabah.
The evening served as a tribute to everyone who had played a part in SBDA’s journey, while reinforcing the association’s commitment to developing DanceSport through greater participation, stronger grassroots programmes and more opportunities for athletes to compete and excel.
The 30th Anniversary cake-cutting ceremony brought together Datin Seri Celestina Jinu, SBDA members, athletes and supporters in a symbolic celebration of the association’s three decades of history and achievements.
