KUCHING: Three athletes from Sarawak have been selected to represent Malaysia at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin.
Mohd Zul Adly Majeni from Special Olympics (SO) Kuching, Agnes Tiong Hui Sing (SO Sibu) and Sheena Ung Xin Ying (SO Miri), will respectively represent SO Malaysia in tenpin bowling, table tennis and swimming.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said it has been the norm yearly for Sarawak to send athletes to participate in the special games to represent Malaysia.
“In this special Olympics, the athletes are given the opportunity to highlight their talents and abilities through sports events.
“This year, there is also a side event organised by the host for our athletes there later which will surely be an unforgettable experience for them,” she said.
He was speaking at a press conference held in conjunction with the Special Olympic Athletes’ courtesy visit to the World Championships in Berlin and the 12th Asean Para Games (APG) in Cambodia at Baitulmakmur Building II, here today.
Adding on, she said the SO in Berlin from June 17 to 25 will be participated by 120 countries.
Fatimah said that SO Malaysia aims to bring back three golds, two silvers and one bronze from the Games.
“Having said that, Sarawak is expecting our athletes to contribute a gold, silver and bronze,” she said.
Meanwhile, touching on the 12th APG which started June 3, Fatimah said she had received an invitation from the president of the Malaysian Paralympic Council Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin to attend the Games.
She said she will leave for Cambodia on Wednesday (June 7) together with her Deputy Minister Mohd Razi Sitam and Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) director Adana Jed, and will be there until June 10.
“This is our effort to support all Malaysian athletes, especially those from Sarawak.
“At the same time, it is also part of our preparation to host the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) next year. InsyaAllah, we will learn a lot from there later,” she said.