KOTA KINABALU: Renowned arm wrestling couple Devon Larratt and Jodi Larratt are pumped to experience Sabah’s nature and culture as they attend the East vs West International Arm Wrestling Competition debuting here, this weekend.
The Larratts, who arrived here on Wednesday (June 17) have been taking in the sights in Kundasang and Kinabalu National Park and are expected to experience popular attractions like Mari-Mari Cultural Village, a Klias river cruise, island-hopping, and the Gaya Street Sunday Market..
Speaking on his visit, Canada-born Devon, considered one of the world’s top arm wrestlers, is ecstatic to be experiencing Sabah for the first time and connecting with the regional arm wrestling community.
“This is my third time in Borneo and my first time in this part of the island.
“I’m excited to see the level of talent here and to meet the athletes. I hope this event continues to grow and becomes a regular gathering point for the best competitors in the region,” he said in a statement shared by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) on Friday.
Devon has also lauded Sabah’s strong potential as a sports tourism destination for arm wrestling and other sports, as athletes are drawn to destinations that offer both quality sporting environments and meaningful local experiences.
During their arrival, the couple was welcomed by STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit with a traditional Sabahan dinner at The Native Café Hotel No.5.
The STB is facilitating a familiarisation programme for the Larratts, aimed at introducing Sabah’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from nature and wildlife experiences to local food and cultural attractions, to international athletes and visitors connected to the sporting event.
The Larratts are slated to attend meet-and-greet sessions with arm wrestling enthusiasts and athletes participating in the East vs West International Arm Wrestling Competition on June 20 and the Sabah International Arm Wrestling Competition on June 21, both taking place at Centre Point Sabah.
The upcoming arm wrestling tournaments will feature over 150 participants from 13 countries namely Malaysia, Taiwan, Sweden, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Russia, China, Indonesia, India, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore.
