Role model: Williams accepting his appointment as a Johor Sports Ambassador from Mohd Ekmaluddin at the MSNJ signing ceremony. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: Global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams has become the second athlete to be officially appointed as a Johor Sports Ambassador, following national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner and former professional boxer said he was humbled and honoured to take on the role and looked forward to contributing to the state’s sporting development.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed as the Johor Sports Ambassador and I am thrilled to support the growth of sports in the state.
“I also hope to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams, work hard and achieve success,” the 39-year-old New Zealander said at a press conference after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Johor Sports Council (MSNJ) here yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by state youth, sports and entrepreneur development committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
Williams said his journey as a professional athlete had shaped his values and beliefs, and he hopes to pass on those lessons.
“Not everyone will become a professional athlete, but everyone has the chance to be the best version of themselves.
“Sports can teach us how to work hard, stay focused and live with purpose,” he said, adding that his role would involve mentoring, youth programmes and sports clinics.
Williams also thanked Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for the appointment, noting that none of this would have been possible without the Regent’s vision and leadership.
“I am excited about Johor’s future in sports, particularly in empowering youth on the world stage.
“The next five to 10 years will be game-changing. With hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible,” Williams added.
Meanwhile, MSNJ director Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak said Williams will now be actively involved in youth development programmes through sports training and mentoring initiatives.
“Williams’ valuable experience among the rugby elite, along with his strong discipline and leadership qualities, will attract attention within Johor’s sports ecosystem and, most importantly, inspire young athletes.
“I believe that with the right people and the right plan, we can achieve (our aims) together.
“The key objective is to open doors for international collaborations, which I believe can further elevate Johor’s standing on the global stage,” he said.
On March 12, Tunku Ismail named former world No. 1 shuttler Lee as Johor’s sports ambassador, adding that he would join other world-class athletes in driving sports and youth development initiatives in Johor.
The Johor Regent said other sports icons expected to join Lee and Williams include former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former Australian footballer Tim Cahill.
