5 days ago
17 Sabah gymnasts to fly national flag in Lisbon
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: The team with Florence (fourth right) and their coach Azif Shah Amat (extreme left). Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Gymnastics Association (PGNS) will represent Malaysia at the 5th World Gym For Life Challenge (WGFLC) in Lisbon, Portugal, from July 20-26. A total of 17 athletes from Sabah will be flying the national flag at the prestigious event, which includes four student gymnasts: Annastasya Kienna Japlin (SM All Saints), Nur Fatihah Khalisah Azhari (SM Maktab Sabah), Elsa Joy Ubu (SJK (C) St James, KK), and Isabelle Caitlyn Daniel (SK St. Francis Convent, KK).
Advertisement Other team members include Florence Fung (KTEKK), Ida Cyril (SMK Tambunan), Anita Anthony (SK Tombovo), Dorenda Biono (SK Penampang), Dr Fredie Robinson (UMS), Rossie Sikah, Eve Clarissa Cassandra L.R.M. Cherles, Jenifer Sikah, Jollylen Ginsud, Maranni Sallah, Cathrine A. Lajawa, Melissa Angus, and Dr Ivorenne Joannes Akim. Head of delegation, Florence Fung, said this marks PGNS' fifth international appearance at the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Gymnastics for All event, and their second participation in the WGFLC. 'Our biggest hurdle was raising funds for the team. PGNS has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, and the parents have shown great commitment in giving their children this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete internationally. 'We are also deeply grateful for the support received from the government, corporate sponsors, and generous individuals who made this dream possible,' she said. The WGFLC, organised every four years by the FIG in between World Gymnaestrada events, is a global celebration of creativity and movement. This year's event will gather over 3,800 participants from 151 groups and 24 countries. Recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the event has been praised for promoting gymnastics as a tool for social inclusion and diversity. In its official statement, Unesco commended the initiative for 'bringing together people of all ages and cultural backgrounds,' aligning with the goals of its Fit for Life Global Sport Alliance, which seeks to harness sport's power to drive positive societal change. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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