UDA SETS SIGHTS ON PRODUCING BACKUP BOWLERS TO REPRESENT PERAK IN SUKMA

IPOH, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) aims to produce backup bowlers, through its UDA Cares: 'Bangunkan Komuniti, Lahirkan Juara’ programme, capable of representing Perak in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in four years.

UDA chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini said the target is not only realistic, but can also provide a wider space and opportunity for young talents to be polished and groomed to reach a higher level.

"Bowling, which involves high expenditure and participation fees, often denies the opportunity for the participation of young talents who are still in school, especially students from the B40 groups.

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"UDA is confident that it can unearth talented keglers from within this group who can be turned into champions if they are given the space, opportunity, guidance and support,” he said after officiating the opening ceremony of the UDA Cares: 'Bangunkan Komuniti, Lahirkan Juara’ programme and competition at the Lite Superbowl JB9, Angsana Mall here today.

Commenting on the programme, he said 29 out of the 129 students who participated in the preliminary screening had been selected to undergo a 16-week intensive training under former national bowler Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, together with two local professional coaches.

Mohd Annuar said that of the total, five participants who showed the most consistent improvement and a high level of discipline will be shortlisted for the advanced training phase.

"This programme reaches its climax today, with the bowling competition being the closing event, involving 29 bowlers selected from 120 pupils from four primary schools around Ipoh.

"Those selected are competing in two categories, with Level 1 involving participants aged between 7 and 9 and Level 2 for bowlers aged between 10 and 12,” he said.

He added that the programme is also a collaboration with the Perak State Education Department, Perak Youth and Sports Department, Perak State Sports Council, Perak Foundation, Perak Transit Berhad and FND Empire Sdn Bhd (the operator of Lite Superbowl JB9, Angsana Mall).

Mohd Annuar said that UDA, in collaboration with the Perak State Entrepreneur Secretariat (STeP) and Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), reiterated its commitment to empower the local community through the organisation of the Oct 10-12 UDA Ipoh Carnival at the same venue.

According to him, the carnival not only serves as a platform for social and entrepreneurship development, but also paves the way for economic networking for local entrepreneurs through various exhibition spaces and sales activities.

"This carnival also promises a special opportunity for the public to own their dream home through UDA's exclusive property project offerings, such as  Dedaun Residensi, Eight & Eight Condominium, Amaanee Residence, Pelindung Heights and SENA @ Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort (KTGR),” he said.

-- BERNAMA