Lee: Raise profile of sports events and futsal
MIRI: Organisers should aim to raise the scale of local sports events to include international participation.
Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin made this suggestion at the opening of the futsal tournament here last Saturday.
Forty-two teams competed in the tournament held at the Mutiara Futsal Court at Piasau Industrial Estate for the Datuk Lee Kim Shin Challenge Trophy.
Lee commended the organisers – Kelab Motor Lasak Miri and Mutiara General Trading & Service - for their initiative and ability to attract two Brunei teams.
“I f given a longer time to promote and more exposure of the event through print and electronic media particularly through internet including attractive incentive and lucrative prizes I believe they would be able more participation not only from Brunei but also from Sabah and Indonesia but also beyond Borneo Island,” he added.
He also hoped that sports organisations and the private sector would organise more events in Miri and the state to take advantage of popular sports such as futsal.
“International-level events not only help to improve the standard and quality of the game but also help to develop the tourism industry as it will attract more people not just players to Miri and the state. Die-hard fans and supporters would be coming to give support and some players even bring along family members, relatives and friends with them,” he explained.
“This is where we could generate tourism dollars through sports not only to industry players but also related industries such as service. They could visit places of interest such as Mulu and Niah Caves as their pre- or post- event activities and programmes.”