KUCHING: The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) has agreed to amend the regulations for the 21st Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) 2024, which will take place from September 20 to 28.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said that under the new regulations, any sports event at the Para SUKMA can be contested if only two states and four athletes participate.
“The previous regulations stated that if there were three states and three athletes, the event could proceed. The amendment we made changes it from three states to two states and from three athletes to four, thus allowing the event to proceed,” she said.
She said this during a press conference when paying a courtesy call on the Melaka State Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee chairman VP Shanmugan Pitchay, at the Tun Mutahir Meeting Room, Seri Negeri Melaka, Ayer Keroh, on Thursday.
The Sarawak delegation was led by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
Fatimah added that the amendment to the regulations is aimed at encouraging the participation of athletes in the Para SUKMA.
“The principle we hold for the Para SUKMA sports is to provide opportunities. Victory is a bonus, but in our desire to empower Person with disabilities (OKU) athletes, we must give them ample opportunities and space. Based on this principle, this amendment was approved by the MPM,” she said.
She hoped that the new regulations would produce more Para athletes and ultimately help to enhance the reputation of the state and country on the world stage.
“As of yesterday, a total of 1,520 athletes and 788 officials will be involved in this edition of Para SUKMA,” she said.
Furthermore, she said the Para SUKMA dinner will be held on September 21 and will be attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Meanwhile, the opening ceremony on September 22 will be officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the Stadium Perpaduan Petra Jaya.
“The closing ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, on September 28,” she added.
