Slingshot Competition a Success

4 March 2025

PENAMPANG: The Open Slingshot Competition in Penampang was successfully held at Togob Jetty, Divatto Ramaya, recently.

Organised by the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Youth Division of Penampang in collaboration with the UPKO Youth Branch of Kampung Divatto Ramaya, the event attracted 30 participants and enthusiastic local residents.

The winners included Haffizan bin Yaman from Kg. Duvanson, who secured first place and a prize of RM500, along with a certificate, medal, and hamper. The runner-up was Tommy from Kg. Bundusan, who took home RM300, a certificate, medal, and hamper. Third place went to Charles Teo from Kg. Hubah, who received RM200, a certificate, medal, and hamper. Callitus from Bomba Penampang finished fourth, winning RM100, a certificate, and a hamper.

The prizes were generously sponsored by Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Member of Parliament for Penampang; UPKO Penampang Youth Chief Billy Joe Dominic; and supporters Joid Philip Lasimbang and Mark Gilbert Mijoh Jr.

In his opening speech, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, Chief of UPKO Penampang, expressed strong support for youth-organised activities, suggesting that hosting such events weekly could strengthen bonds among both youths and adults.

He expressed hope that this slingshot competition could evolve to higher levels, with participants from Penampang competing at state or national levels as opportunities arise.

He also encouraged UPKO youth in Penampang to continue organising events like arm wrestling, which has already reached state, national, and even professional levels, and to explore other sports that engage the youth in the area.

Meanwhile, Billy Joe stated in his speech that more youth activities will definitely be organised, with the full support of the President of UPKO Malaysia and Member of Parliament for Penampang, Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has expressed his commitment to these positive initiatives.

The UPKO Youth Division of Penampang will seek opportunities to organise sports activities such as tug of war, sepak takraw, badminton, table tennis, football, and more throughout 2025.

However, the success of these events will depend on continued support, opportunities, time, and funding, all aimed at fostering camaraderie among the residents of Penampang.

As part of the programme, the UPKO Youth Division of Penampang also plans to incorporate a donation basket initiative for those in urgent need.

The organising chair, Arthur Leo, who is the Chief of the UPKO Youth Branch of Kampung Divatto Ramaya and a committee member of the UPKO Youth Division of Penampang, expressed his gratitude to Billy Joe for his unwavering support and encouragement in organising this event.

Arthur noted that Billy Joe consistently checked in with him to address any shortcomings or improvements needed prior to the event, similar to their collaboration during the previous arm wrestling competition. He also extended heartfelt thanks to Datuk Donald and Lenod Christopher Sitalu for their presence and ongoing support, which contributed to the event's success.

Arthur expressed his sincere appreciation to all attendees, stating that he never anticipated having 30 participants, including professional slingshot athletes like Jess Itoi and Staneslous John Jinikip.

Slingshot sports require control over energy, breathing, focus, mental and visual coordination, and body movement, all of which are vital for the health of participants and those interested in the sport. This is why he chose to organise the Slingshot Competition, as it promotes physical health and healthy activities for everyone.