BJSS ATHLETICS

Na’aman’s death a big loss to schools sports

By RIZAL ABDULLAH

 

THE sudden death of Na’aman Mohd Shah, chairman of Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) athletics, on Friday is a big loss to the sport’s fraternity in the country.

The 56-year-old Na’aman passed away at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital at 2.45pm after developing breathing difficulties a day after returning from Port Dickson where he had attended a course.

Na’aman was attached to the Johor Education Department’s Development of Human Resources section (Sports Unit) as a special officer for excellence. He leaves behind wife Siti Aminah Mohd Salbi and five children – three boys and two daughters.

Apart from being the chairman of MSSM athletics, Na’aman was also the coordinator of schools athletes competing in Sukma (Malaysia Games) since the inception of the national games.

Until his death he was also the MSSM track and field chief coach to the Asean Schools Games since 2010. Malaysia finished runners-up in Vietnam in 2009, champions in Kuala Lumpur (2010), third in Singapore (2011) and second in Surabaya last year.

He was also the head coach of the Malaysian Schools team to the Asian Cross Country Championships in Mongolia in 2012.

He started his teaching career with Sekolah Kebangsaan Muzaffar Shah in Kota Tinggi (1977-1988). He later served several schools in Johor Bahru until 1990 and was later attached to the State Education Department’s Sports Unit (1991-1999).

After getting a promotion, he was attached to the SK Larkin 2, Johor Baru from 1999 to 2001 before being transferred to the Johor Baru District Education Department as a Senior Supervisor (Sports) for a year.
Na’aman has been with Johor Education Department’s Sports Unit since 2008 and had organised several major MSSM championships in the state, including football, volleyball, cricket and bowling apart from athletics.

This year Johor will play host to MSSM football and bowling in June and Na’aman was deeply involved with both events.

Na’aman was also on the panel of writers for the Ministry of Education’s module book on the management of sports and athletics (track and field). He was also on the panel of writers for the ministry’s module book on 1 Student 1 Sport.

http://www.sports247.my/2013/03/naamans-death-a-big-loss-to-schools-sports/