Young athletes set 18 records at MOE-MSSM-MILO Championships

The MOE-MSSM-MILO 2024 Championships concluded in Ipoh, Perak, celebrating a historic season that brought together Malaysia’s top young athletes. The championship, held from 23 May to 25 October 2024, saw participation from over 12,900 student athletes across 16 contingents, competing in 24 sports. With events hosted across various locations, the final event in Ipoh’s Stadium Perak wrapped up a competition that underscored the power of sports to foster determination, camaraderie, and resilience.

Highlighting the extraordinary achievements, athletes set 18 new records in athletics alone, including the remarkable feat by Penang’s Muhammad Sayyid Amin Roslan, who shattered the U-18 200m record twice, clocking 21.42 seconds in the semi-finals and a breathtaking 20.94 seconds in the finals.

“For these young athletes, MSSM is about more than winning medals. It provides an opportunity to build friendship, nurture fellowship, and experience the joy of competing and learning from peers across the nation,” said Lim Kerwin, Head of Sports Marketing of MILO® Malaysia. “The memories and experiences gained through MSSM are cherished, as athletes not only hone their skills but also grow in character.”

MILO’s legacy in Malaysian sports

For over 60 years, MILO has been a key partner in developing Malaysia’s sports culture, supporting the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) alongside the Ministry of Education. With its enduring mantra, “sports are a great teacher,” MILO has tirelessly championed grassroots sports development, embedding values such as discipline, teamwork, and respect among young athletes. The MOE-MSSM-MILO championships continue to serve as a platform for nurturing talents that could someday compete on the international stage.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the MSSM remains an integral part of nurturing the next generation of champions,” added Lim. “MILO® has been a strong advocate for Malaysia’s sports culture, firmly believing that sports encourage active lifestyles and teach important values such as teamwork and sportsmanship.”

Building tomorrow’s champions

The championships produced several outstanding athletes who might follow in the footsteps of MSSM alumni who went on to excel at major events like SUKMA, the SEA Games, the Asian Games, and even the Olympics. Sabah emerged as the overall champion in athletics, securing 23 gold medals, a feat that speaks to the depth of young talent in the region.

Reflecting on his own journey, tenpin bowler and MOE-MSSM-MILO Award recipient Rafiq Ismail remarked, “MSSM was a stepping stone for me. I learned that there are no shortcuts to success; every small effort adds up to your overall achievement.”

MILO’s continued commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports is paving the way for future champions, promoting sports access across all backgrounds and abilities. Through its dedicated support, MILO remains a crucial partner in ensuring that Malaysia’s young athletes have the foundation to aspire, achieve, and ultimately represent their nation on the global stage.