Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (centre) with the Sabahan coaches and sports administrators selected for the 2023 Sports Visitor Programme in the United States.
KOTA KINABALU: Show the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) in the United States (US) and make Sabah proud, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor tells the 14 Sabahan coaches and sports administrators selected for the 2023 Sports Visitor Porgramme in the US.
The Chief Minister had received a courtesy call from the participants at his office here. He also congratulated them on being chosen and urged them to get the best out of the experience while being good ambassadors for Sabah.
Running from Jan 6 to 23, the programme will introduce the participants to American leadership styles, best practices and key contacts in sports specifically football, ranging from community-based recreational youth sports administrators to professional league coaches, the US Embassy said in a statement Thursday (Dec 22).
“Participants will learn the latest coaching theories and techniques and meet world-class sports organisations in Philadelphia and Miami.
“They will also attend the United Soccer Coaches Convention 2023, a leading professional development event for football coaches and administrators.
“Upon completion, participants will share the knowledge and skills they gained with their local communities through multiple train-the-trainer programmes and football clinics in Sabah,” the Embassy added.
Hajiji was confident that sports was an excellent way to empower youth while building their resilience and leadership skills.
“I hope their return will bring transformation (to the state sports) as they will share what they learn with the rest of Sabah's youth,” said Hajiji in a Facebook post Thursday.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters said the US recognises the power of sports to bring people and nations together, by embracing universal values to promote peace and social harmony.
“I wish all the coaches and sports administrators a fruitful exchange experience in the US and look forward to the ongoing impact they will make with youth in their local communities,” he added.
The Sabah Youth Council, Sabah Football Club and the Embassy had collaborated in identifying the participants who come from across the state from areas such as Likas, Bongawan, Kiulu, Banggi, Tenom and Kota Belud.
One of the participants, Lindsay Michael Godtol from Ranau described the opportunity as surreal and expressed gratitude and excitement in being chosen to go to US for the programme.
