KUCHING: Bonnie Bunyau Gustin’s victory at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai will be able to inspire other para-athletes to train hard and achieve their dream, said Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK) Minister lauded the powerlifting para-athlete’s achievement in smashing the world record for the men’s above 72kg category and bagging a gold medal.
“The 22-year-old from Ta’ee, Serian started training under coach Jamil Adam in our Sarawak Development Programme in sports for people with disabilities (OKU) back in 2012 before moving to Kuala Lumpur for higher level training in 2017.
“Bonnie has taken part in many tournaments such as the Asia Youth Para Games, Asean Para Games, Asia Para Games, Commonwealth Games, Para Powerlifting World Cups and World Para Powerlifting Championships. He has won many medals throughout his participation.
“His achievements serve as a motivation and inspiration for the other Sarawak para-athletes to continue training and working hard in order to achieve their dreams by unleashing their full potential.
“Moreover, I am sure that they have a high determination when it comes to overcoming all the obstacles and challenges to achieve success for themselves, the state and country,” she said during a press conference on Wednesday (June 23).
Fatimah also congratulated Jamil, the para powerlifting coach who is also from Sarawak for his commitment, guidance and training given to the para-athletes.
She noted that Jamil has produced numerous high achieving national para powerlifters in the state such as Fatimah Wagimin who competed in Athens Paralympics, Jong Yee Khie in the Commonwealth Games and Bryan Junancy Gustin who is Bonnie’s brother in Asean Para Games.
On another note, Fatimah disclosed that a total of 143 para-athletes have been identified and received their Covid-19 vaccinations last week at Normah Specialist Medical Centre.
“These para-athletes who will be competing in the upcoming Para Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Johor next year, are scheduled to receive their second dose on July 10.
“The vaccination will provide confidence, peace of mind and assurance to the para-athletes, their coaches and family members. This will also allow them to be able to go for a centralised training,” she added.
