GEORGE TOWN: As the brand new face of Penang tourism for 2022, eight-time world squash champion Datuk Nicol David’s most important method will likely be to let guests know that her hometown is prepared to welcome them again.
“The main approach with my appointment as Penang Tourism Ambassador 2022 is to let everyone know that Penang is ready to welcome people back to the state.
“I am looking forward to sharing my hometown Penang with everyone nationally and globally,” she stated, including that there have been so many locations and experiences that individuals might discover within the state.
“And I had the privilege of capturing it on video so we can showcase these main attractions.”
Nicol stated they have been targeted on three pillars – tradition and heritage, nature and journey, and meals and life-style.
“As someone who has travelled the world, Penang stands out because of its rich heritage combined with plenty of nature.
“The quaint heritage buildings have been restored to retain their original grandeur but with a modern take to it as well that gives Penang a fun vibe with so much art and culture.
“Of course, the great food is Penang’s biggest pulling attraction for many to visit the state.
“From my exploration of Penang, I really enjoyed Penang Hill and understand that it is one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
“I tried zip lining for the first time there and saw the beautiful aerial view of Penang,” she stated, including that she was proud to know that Penang has every part underneath the solar – from forest and seashores to hills and heritage city.
With the tourism promotion carrying the tagline “My Hometown, Penang Welcomes You”, the 38-year-old will likely be highlighting locations of curiosity and issues to do within the state from her personal perspective.
“I am fully based in Kuala Lumpur now working on my Nicol David Organisation but I will be travelling back and forth between Kuala Lumpur and Penang for my role as the state’s Tourism Ambassador.
“I am happy being back home now as I have a chance to be with my family,” she stated.
Nicol stated she deliberate to launch her non-profit Nicol David Organisation which is geared toward empowering women and boys via sport and schooling by providing a subsidised after-school programme for B40 and M40 households to have squash coaching and English tutoring courses.
“It has been a dream of mine to give back in some way and share my experience, especially the values I gained from the sport.
“Aside from this, I give motivational talks with companies, youth and women in hopes of sharing my life lessons from my squash journey,” she stated.
Considered the best participant within the historical past of ladies’s squash, Nicol was No. 1 on this planet for a record-breaking 108 months.
In February final yr, she was named the World Games’ Greatest Athlete of All Time after topping a ballot carried out by the International World Games Association.
Throughout an illustrious profession that spanned almost 20 years, Nicol gained the World Open a document eight occasions between 2005 and 2014.
She additionally gained the British Open 5 occasions, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and 7 Asian Games titles.
The Professional Squash Association Tour competitions noticed Nicol bagging a complete of 81 titles.
