Credit: Steve George
RANAU: July 23, 2026 – Parents from various districts turned up to support their children competing at the Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSS Sabah) 2026 Athletics Championship at the Ranau Sports Complex, serving as a source of inspiration for the young athletes.
For Suanu, from Kampung Bundu Tuhan, Ranau, her presence was to cheer on her grandson, who was representing Kota Kinabalu in the under-12 4×100 metres event.
“I always encourage him. In every competition, there are wins and losses—what matters is not to give up and to keep striving for the future,” she said.
Suanu said she herself had represented the Ranau district in the 400 metres, 800 metres and 1,500 metres events during her school days, and she hopes her grandson can develop his talent to a higher level.
Meanwhile, Hamidah Hamzah from Felda Umas, Tawau, said she and her family had travelled a long distance to support her child and the Tawau contingent.
“My advice is, don’t give up. If you win, be grateful; if you haven’t succeeded yet, keep trying because they have trained hard,” she said.
She said her 10-year-old child is treating this participation in MSS Sabah as an experience to improve performance in the future.
Meanwhile, Bibirah Sangkalon from the Keningau contingent described MSS Sabah as an important platform for uncovering young athletic talent from across the state.
“If they succeed, we are grateful. If they don’t, I hope they try again, work even harder and back it up with prayer,” she said.
She said the commitment of coaches and teachers in providing training also plays a crucial role in shaping the development of young athletes.
