KUALA LUMPUR: All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams is the latest to come onboard as Johor's sports ambassador, joining a star-studded lineup of icons to spearhead sports and youth development in the state.
Williams' appointment came through the support of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in his bid to elevate Johor's sporting landscape by bringing world-class athletes and initiatives to the state.
Williams, a two-time rugby World Cup champion with New Zealand (2011 and 2015) and former professional boxer, expressed his enthusiasm following the recognition and appointment.
"It's an extraordinary honour to be named Johor Sports Ambassador. I'm excited to contribute towards the growth of sports in Johor and inspire young athletes to realise their dreams, work hard, and achieve success," said the 39-year-old Williams during a press conference in Johor Baru today.
Williams is the latest inclusion in Johor's star-studded cast of global sporting icons set to play key roles in its youth programmes.
Johor had earlier brought in Datuk Lee Chong Wei to be its badminton adviser, along with former UFC world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov who is set to open a gym in the state as well as Socceroos legend Tim Cahill.
Johor's Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives committee chairman Hairi Mad Shah said Tunku Ismail has been playing a key role in development of sports in the state.
"We express our deepest gratitude to Tunku Ismail for his unwavering commitment, particularly in the development of sports and athletes in the state of Johor. This collaboration with Williams reflects Johor's ambition to cultivate a world-class sporting culture," he said after witnessing the agreement signing ceremony between Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) and Williams.
MSNJ director Ekmaluddin Ishak said Williams is the right person to be appointed Johor Sports Ambassador, and with proper planning, this can realise Johor's vision of joint sports development.
"Williams will play a vital role in mentoring young athletes, engaging in community programmes, and promoting sports development initiatives throughout Johor. His extensive experience and international influence will further enhance Johor's reputation as a national sporting powerhouse.
"He not only brings his extensive experience in the elite sports arena, but also high disciplinary values, great leadership and influence that I believe can attract the attention of the Johor sports ecosystem.
"Most importantly, he will be an inspiration to young people and open opportunities for international cooperation which I'm confident can further boost Johor's name on the global stage," he added.
