Pandelela gets scholarship and state award
KUCHING, Aug 21 – Olympics bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg made yet another memorable splash when she was honoured with a state award on her accomplishment, after touching down to a grand homecoming at the Kuching International Airport here today.
The 19-year-old (picture), who was accompanied by her parents and two other Sarawak Olympians, Bryan Nickson Lomas and Traisy Vivien Tukiet, became the first local athlete to be bestowed with the Sarawak Johan Kenyalang (JBK) award.
She received the award from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in an investiture ceremony at the Astana Negeri, Petra Jaya here.
As the country’s first woman Olympic medalist, the state government has also announced a special incentive in the form of a full scholarship to pursue a four-year education in Australia.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said, based on the scholarship, the dive queen was given a choice to either focus on coaching in swimming or tertiary studies. – Bernama
