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THIS AIN’T MY SPORT … Donald giving it a try at Car Deadlift as Jivinsol (with black cap), and Event Promoter Roger Frederick Sulit (left) as well as the competitors look on.
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29th August, 2010
KOTA KINABALU: JBORNEO Native Village’s initiative in staging the JBORNEO Tuhun Tavakas (Strongestman) Challenge 2010 has been lauded.
The compliments came from Assistant State Finance Minister Datuk Donald Mojuntin while gracing the opening ceremony of the challenge in Lok Kawi, next to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park (zoo) yesterday.
Donald said the event is one fine example in promoting Penampang.
He added that there are many interesting places within Penampang that have the potential to become lucrative tourism products if more efforts are made to promote them for further development.
“The district is beaming with all kinds of attractions that can be developed to lure tourists, both foreign and domestic.
“There are so many interesting places here that have the natural potential to be developed as tourism products.
“They are just waiting to be exploited. It is only a matter of synergy that our efforts will become effective in developing these products for our benefit and advantage,” said Mojuntin.
The Moyog Assemblyman then called on the Penampang residents to create a leverage by joining their efforts to promote and develop the various attractions within the district, so they could enjoy the benefits in the future.
Donald said it was not enough for Penampang to have a tourism council if its residents do not play a role in adding dimension to the council’s efforts in boosting the development of the existing tourism products.
He said there are many aspects in tourism that can be used to lure visitors.
“Sports tourism, for example, is one good way to attract people to come and visit a particular location.
“This event in particular is part of efforts by its organiser to promote their establishment.
“I admire his ambition in doing this. Not only is he successful in drawing a crowd to his establishment, the surrounding facilities here also get the benefit of added value that is brought by this event.
The event is a strength sport competition that is akin to the World’s Strongestman Challenge where participants are tested to the limit in terms of strength and endurance.
The challenge features six classic Strongman challenges namely Choked Truck Pull, Atlas Stone Lift, Car Dead Lift, Grip Endurance, Farmer’s Walk and Tire flip.
Mojuntin stayed late in the afternoon to witness the competitors push themselves to the limit in completing the challenges.
“I support this healthy event … it brings people together and gives something different for people to enjoy watching.
“I hope the organising committee will not be deterred by any challenges they may face during this first event and will continue promoting the sport,” said Mojuntin, adding that great things all come from humble beginnings.
Meanwhile, in his opening speech, Jivinsol said he was honoured to be able to be a part of the small fraternity of individuals who are genuinely trying to promote the development of strength sports in Sabah.
“There is a notable history of achievements in bodybuilding and weightlifting here in Sabah, where our athletes have excelled to great heights.
“With the available resources of athletes from these sports, we can really create a presence in terms of strength sports here in Sabah,” said Jivinsol, adding that with collective effort, this and even greater achievements can be made for this sport.
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