KUCHING: Sarawak is aiming for a dominant performance at the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (SUKMA XXI), targeting 83 gold medals and the overall championship.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that Sarawak will field a strong contingent of 213 athletes in their bid to reclaim the Para SUKMA title after losing it to Sabah in 2022.
As the minister responsible for Para SUKMA, Fatimah urged Sarawakians, especially those in Kuching, to come out and support the athletes.
“Your support is crucial in boosting their morale and inspiring them to compete with determination and strive for gold,” she said during a press conference after the meeting of the Para SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Council today (Aug 27).
She added that the state government is committed to providing the best possible services for Para SUKMA athletes, utilising the same committee that was in place for the previous SUKMA.
However, she acknowledged challenges related to transportation and accommodation for athletes with disabilities.
“Alhamdulillah, RapidKL has generously provided 25 buses for our athletes, as the existing bus services in Sarawak lack the necessary platforms for wheelchair users,” she added.
Accommodation for 302 wheelchair-bound athletes also presented a challenge, but the government is working to address these issues.
The Para SUKMA will take place from September 22 to 28 in the Kuching division. A total of 1,290 Para SUKMA athletes will compete in 10 sports, including Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Para Lawn Bowling, Para Archery, Para Chess, Para Tenpin Bowling, and Boccia.
There will be 328 events and gold medals up for grabs.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Stadium Perpaduan Petrajaya on September 22, and the closing ceremony will take place at the same venue on September 28.
Also present were Fatimah’s deputy Datuk Rosey Yunus, Permanent Secretary Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and other distinguished guests.
