11-05-2025
Carnival seeks to promote Aesthetic Group Gymnastics
Kinder Children Age 10-12 winners from Mine Dance Studio pose with Kho (second right), Nur Shahkizzan (left) and Shaleen Tay (right).
KUCHING (May 11): Gymnasts need to work very hard to perform well because there is no short cut to success, observed political secretary to Premier Sarawak, Kho Teck Wan, who served as assistant chef-de-mission for rhythmic gymnastics at Sukma XXI Sarawak.
She also commended parents who supported athletes on this quest.
'Thank you for the courage of taking your kids through this journey as this journey is not easy especially if they do well and go all the way through,' said Kho at the National AGG Development (NAD) Programme Competition at Dewan Sa'ati, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Headquarters yesterday.
She was representing Deputy Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The NAD Programme Competition was part of the two-day Sarawak Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) Carnival organised by the Sarawak Aesthetic Group Gymnastics Association (SAGGA) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Aesthetic Group Gymnastics Association (MAGGA).
It was participated by more than 70 gymnasts aged between six and 25 from Sarawak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur with categories from Kinder AGG to Level 6.
The competition emphasised the developmental progress of participants, focusing on teamwork, performance structure and individual growth.
The carnival marks a pivotal moment in the growth of grass-roots sports in Sarawak and the promotion of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics across Malaysia.
On Sunday, the focus will shift to the AGG School Programme Introductory Workshop, led by MAGGA's School Programme technical head Foong Seow Ting.
This workshop aims to introduce AGG into Sarawak's schools, with practical modules designed for U10, U12, and U18 students, to further expand the sport within the educational system.
The workshop will provide insights into how AGG can be integrated into school programmes, encouraging more youth to take up the sport and empowering educators with the tools to nurture young talent.
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) is a team-based sport that combines dance, flexibility, strength, and technique into synchronised routines.
Recognised globally and governed by IFAGG, AGG is a rapidly growing discipline, particularly in Asia.
What sets AGG apart from other gymnastics disciplines is its unique blend of athleticism and artistry, emphasising harmony, fluidity and teamwork rather than isolated technical skills.
The NAD Programme provides gymnasts of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to develop and refine their abilities, preparing them for higher levels of competition such as the National School Programme and international IFAGG events.
A significant number of the athletes participating in this year's carnival are from Sarawak. It also reflects the growing strength of Sarawak's AGG community, with every gymnast playing a part in building the future of the sport. Sarawak Aesthetic Group Gymnastics Carnival
