Mayor of Tanjungpinang, H. Lis Darmansyah, personally attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Riau Islands Regional Student Sports Week (POPDA) held at Coastal Area, Karimun Regency, on Thursday (2/7). His presence aimed to provide moral support for the student athletes competing to represent the provincial capital.
This year's POPDA event serves as a strategic stage for young athletes to showcase their talents. A total of 10 sports disciplines are being contested, with 740 medals up for grabs by students from various regions across the Riau Islands. Governor Ansar Ahmad, in his speech, emphasized the importance of hosting sports events that are measurable and science-based, in line with the mandate of the Grand Design of National Sports.
On the sidelines of the event, Lis Darmansyah specifically met with the Tanjungpinang contingent to boost their spirits. He emphasized that all selected athletes are the region's best young talents, expected to maintain discipline and uphold high standards of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
"You are the pride of Tanjungpinang City. Show your maximum capability and compete with confidence. Whatever the result, dedication and your best performance on the field remain the top priority for the region," Lis said with great optimism.
Tanjungpinang itself has deployed a full squad by sending a contingent of 234 people, comprising 179 athletes along with coaches and support staff. The Tanjungpinang City Government is committed to continuously guiding the development of these young athletes so they can achieve higher levels of success at the national level in the future.
