Tunku Abdul Jalil presented with ISAF President Development Award

by ISAF on 8 Nov 2014 The ISAF President Development Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the development of sailing, has been awarded to Tunku Abdul Jalil Ibni Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, Malaysia.

Tunku Jalil has been instrumental in the development of the sport in Malaysia and the launch of the Liga Layar Malaysia (LLM) and Belia Belayar sailing programmes. Launched late in 2013 with the backing of the Malaysian Ministry for Youth and Sports and the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) the programmes have given thousands of young people the opportunity to learn about sailing and gain experience in match racing across the country.

ISAF President Carlo Croce said, 'The initiatives introduced by Tunku Jalil have been highly successful in introducing new people to the sport of sailing and I congratulate him on his vision and enthusiasm. In a growing sailing country like Malaysia, it is this dedication and passion that really makes a difference.'

The Liga Layar Malaysia is a national match racing series with events in eight locations around the country. Visiting Pulau Langkawi, Kedah; Lumut, Perak; Pulau Indah, Selangor; Putrajaya, Port Klang, Selangor; Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan; Pulau Duyong, Terengganu and Danga Bay, Johor Bahru, sailors compete with the top five at each leg receiving prize money. The experience and exposure gained throughout the series has been invaluable in promoting the sport to the Malaysian population.

Launched in partnership with the MYA, the Belia Belayar is a youth sailing programme which runs parallel with the Liga Layar Malaysia. Over 500 young sailors and students attend each event to learn about sailing and give it a try for themselves.

In its first year, the Belia Belayar has so far introduced over 4,600 students to the sport across six venues.

Tunku Jalil is also the Chairman of Malaysian sailing company Innovatige Sdn, organiser of the Monsoon Cup, the final event of the annual Alpari World Match Racing Tour.

Tunku Jalil will be presented with the ISAF President Development Award in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

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