KUCHING: Meticulous preparations are being carried out by the organising committee of the upcoming 21st Malaysia Paralympic Games (Para Sukma) 2024 to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly.
Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee said he is determined to achieve the same success as in the previous Sukma, by overseeing every aspect of the sports’ planning and execution.
“In terms of preparation, we began not just today, but since last year and up until a few months ago. Just like Sukma, we have established 23 committees to ensure that all preparations run smoothly.
“Most importantly, the Technical Committee has ensured that all equipment, venues, and technical aspects such as rules, logistics management, and safety have been carefully arranged. The Technical Directors and Competition Managers have also been appointed and briefed.
“From now until September, we will be holding numerous meetings and possibly rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies, which will be held at the Petra Jaya Stadium.”
He said this when met by the media after being invited as a guest on Redfm radio at RTM Sarawak today (Aug 28).
Regarding additional preparations, Hii, who is also the chief executive officer of the 21st Sukma, mentioned that about 1,000 permanent volunteers trained during Sukma will continue their service, including venue managers at venues still in use.
“At the new venues, we will try to recruit those who have served as venue managers during the previous Sukma.
“We are trying to retain them because they are qualified and have experience.”
Hii also mentioned that they have arranged for all necessary facilities, including accommodation, transportation, and other required amenities.
“Accommodation has been arranged at designated hotels. For transportation, we will use buses and vans as usual.
“For the 300 athletes who require wheelchairs, we have imported 25 special buses from RapidKL to facilitate their movement.
“In terms of food, meals will be provided by designated hotels and vendors.”
Para Sukma 2024 will feature 10 sports, each hosted at a different venue across Kuching.
The events include para athletics at Sarawak Stadium, para swimming at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, para table tennis at SJKC Chung Hua 3, para powerlifting at the Multipurpose Hall of the Sarawak Youth and Sports Department, boccia at the Hui Sing Garden Basketball Association Hall, para badminton at the Sarawak Badminton Association Hall BDC, para lawn bowls at the Lawn Bowls Arena Petra Jaya, archery at the Petra Jaya Archery Range, para chess at Raia Hotel Kuching, and para tenpin bowling at Megalanes Emart Batu Kawa.
