BY GABRIEL LIHAN AND NURA VALENTIANA LORNA
KUCHING: The 21st edition of the Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 has seen a total of 22 national records and 71 game records shattered by the para-athletes.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the records were broken in four sports – para archery, para athletics, para powerlifting and para swimming.
“Highest appreciation and congratulations to all the athletes who have demonstrated outstanding performance.
“You are our heroes and heroines; para-athletes are truly extraordinary,” she said during her address at the Para SUKMA 2024 closing ceremony last night (Sept 28).
She said each record shattered serves as a stepping stone for even greater achievements in the future.
“It is our hope to use the success of the 21st SUKMA management as a catalyst to empower and uplift people with disabilities (PwD), giving them the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s glory not only in sports but in other fields as well,” she said.
Fatimah stressed that efforts to identify the talents and potential among children with disabilities should be undertaken as early as possible.
She pointed out that appropriate intervention and development programmes—covering physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects—can be strategically planned and implemented.
Fatimah also took time to thank the volunteers, supporters, and parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout the Para SUKMA 2024 period.
“We must also extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents, supporters, and volunteers who have sacrificed their time and effort to ensure that all 328 events not only ran smoothly but were also enriched with encouragement, support, and cheers filled with sincerity and high human values,” she said.
Also present at the closing ceremony were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, and Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.
