Kota Kinabalu: Weightlifter Irene Jane Henry’s Commonwealth Games success proves that Sabahan athletes can compete globally when backed by continuous training, guidance and support.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said this after welcoming Irene’s arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) here on Monday.
“Irene’s achievement was the result of the athlete’s own hard work with support from the coaches, the Sabah Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Development and Creative Economy.
“Parental support also plays an important role in shaping the success of an athlete and the responsibility of producing champions should not be left entirely to athletes or sports agencies alone,” he stressed.
The 21-year-old from Tambunan captured the bronze medal in the 48kg category, which was the first medal for the country in women’s weightlifting since 2010.
Sabah Sports School weightlifting coach Arrico Junmit was also the last Sabah-born athlete to win a gold medal in the men’s event in the same year.
“It was a historic moment as she successfully ended a 16-year drought for Sabah-born athletes at the games.
“Congratulation to Irene and her family. I am deeply proud of her achievement as the Minister. Her success brings immense pride not only to the State Government but to all Sabahans.
“Her success story could be an inspiration to the younger generation of Sabah athletes to pursue excellence in sports without neglecting education.
“I hope that more parents in Sabah will encourage their children to venture into sports so our state can keep producing world-class athletes in the future,” added Nizam.
The Minister also announced that apart from the RM20,000 from the National Sports Council, Irene will receive a cash incentive of RM10,000 from the State Government in appreciation of her achievement.
“This provision of cash incentives reflects the State Government’s commitment in appreciating the services of our athletes who have successfully brought honour to the State and country on the international stage,” he said.
Among those present at the airport were Sabah Sports Council director Asneh Mohd Noor and his deputy Valerie Wong, Arrico and coach Stephen Gampion.
