BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: The Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 could serve as a breeding ground for future world champions, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Yeoh emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to identify and nurture para-athletes, urging parents to support their children’s involvement in sports.
“Do not be ashamed or embarrassed about the persons with disabilities (PWD) card your children or family members hold,” she said during the opening ceremony of the 21st Para SUKMA at Stadium Perpaduan last night.
“Expose them to various types of sports. Who knows, they might discover a hidden talent and excel in a particular sport.”
She also called for greater focus on female para-athletes, commending the 303 women participating in the current Para SUKMA.
“To the National Sports Council (MSN) and state National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), I urge you to increase efforts to organise more talent search programmes, especially for female para-athletes,” she said.
“To the 303 female para-athletes in this Para SUKMA, I congratulate you. Your participation will inspire others to believe in their capabilities.”
In a forward-thinking move, Yeoh announced that she had submitted a request for a dedicated allocation for OKU sports development in the Budget 2025, following discussions with the Second Minister of Finance.
“As a strategic plan for next year, I have met with the Second Minister of Finance to discuss the Budget 2025 proposal,” she said.
“I have requested a dedicated allocation for the development of PWD sports across the state. Let’s pray together that it will be approved.”
