KUCHING (Aug 13) – As the excitement for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) builds, Lodge Group of Schools is making headlines with its newly completed facilities designed specifically for throw events. In a move set to boost the training capabilities of athletes across Sarawak, the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) has constructed a World Athletics-certified cage at the Lodge School training centre.
New Facilities Set to Elevate Athletic Training
The new throwing cage, which officially became operational on August 2, 2024, represents a significant upgrade in training infrastructure for the upcoming Sukma XXI. Construction of the facility commenced in May this year, reflecting a commitment to providing athletes with the best possible training environment. This cage will remain in use until August 16, offering athletes a prime opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for the Games.
Highlighting Local Talent: Jonah Rigah Chang
Among the athletes benefiting from this new facility is Jonah Rigah Chang, a promising athlete from Sarikei. As one of Sarawak’s hopeful gold medallists for Sukma XXI, Chang brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Lodge School training centre. The national record holder for shot put with a remarkable throw of 18.46 meters, Chang will be competing in several events, including the men’s shot put, discus, and hammer throw.
Chang’s rigorous training at the Lodge School is expected to enhance his performance, contributing significantly to Sarawak’s quest for athletic glory in the upcoming Games.
Support and Praise from Lodge Group of Schools
Lodge Group of Schools Director Su Hiong Ai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MSNS and the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) for their efforts in establishing the new throwing facilities. “On behalf of Lodge Group of Schools, I wish to thank MSNS and SSC for building the facilities for throw events at Lodge National Secondary School. We are honored to be chosen as one of the centralised athletics training venues for Sukma XXI in Sarawak. I hope Sarawak would succeed in the Games, especially in athletics,” Ai remarked.
This sentiment was echoed by Lodge School Association Chairman Daniel Ling, who added, “We are proud to be chosen as one of the venues for Sukma XXI Sarawak athletics centralised training, as well as the upgrading of training facilities at this centre.”
Commitment to Developing Young Athletic Talent
The Lodge Group of Schools is not only focused on the immediate needs of Sukma XXI but is also committed to nurturing young talent in field events. Deputy Principal for Co-Curriculum, Willie Liew, highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop future athletes. “We will continue to develop more young talents in the field events – the niche of Sarawak athletics – in events under the umbrella of Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM), Little Athletics, SEA Youth, Sukma, and even the SEA Games.”
Lodge School has been recognized as the Centre of Excellence for Athletics (Field Events) under SSC since 2020. This designation underscores the school’s role in producing top athletic talent, with eight Kuching record-holders in athletics since 2014.
Notable Achievements and Record Holders
Recent achievements by Lodge athletes include Solomon Ng, who set a new record for the Boys Under-18 hammer throw with a distance of 50.26 meters during the MSSM Kuching Athletics Championship in July. Junior Imohi also made headlines by breaking the record for the Boys Under-15 triple jump with a leap of 13.14 meters. Additionally, track star Ava Aaralyn Tan secured victories in the Girls Under-15 100m, 200m, and 400m events, earning accolades as the best athlete in her category.
These accomplishments not only highlight the talent emerging from Lodge School but also emphasize the significant impact of the new facilities on enhancing athletic performance.
Looking Ahead to Sukma XXI
With the new throwing cage now in operation, athletes like Jonah Rigah Chang are well-positioned to showcase their skills at Sukma XXI. The enhanced facilities at Lodge School are set to play a pivotal role in the preparation and success of Sarawak’s athletes, contributing to the region’s growing reputation in the field of athletics.