KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has agreed to revive the Borneo Games, which was last held in 2013 in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said hosting the Borneo Games aligns with the aspiration of fostering the spirit of Borneo and strengthening ties among the regions of Borneo: Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam, the Federal Territory of Labuan and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
"Additionally, the sporting event is considered crucial for providing continuity and exposure to athletes, enabling them to excel at larger competitions," he said in a statement following a courtesy visit by the Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry (MYSED).
During the visit, MYSED deputy minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu proposed the resumption of the sixth Borneo Games after an 11-year hiatus.
The Borneo Games is an annual multi-sport event involving participants from regions and countries across the Borneo Archipelago.
The games originated in 1954 at the Seria Recreation Club in Brunei Darussalam.
The event was revived in 2005 and continued as a biennial competition until 2013, after which it was discontinued.
The sixth edition of the Borneo Games is expected to be held next year, with Sarawak as the host and sponsor, as announced by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg in August during the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Gala Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching.
Present during the visit were Sabah Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun and MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Frederick.