KUCHING: Sarawakians have been urged to come out and show their support for all para athletes competing in the 21st Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024.
Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah called on the public to offer their full support, regardless of the athletes’ home states.
“Sports go beyond just cheering for the winners, but showing support is also an appreciation for those who have given their best for their respective states.
“Whether you win or lose, you are still heroes for your states,” she said during the 21st Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 banquet held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre last night (Sept 22).
Fatimah then said Para SUKMA serves as a platform to uncover new talents among athletes with disabilities (OKU) from across Malaysia.
“These identified talents have their potential further developed, allowing them to compete at higher levels in the future.
“This is also to ensure that Malaysia will always have a sufficient talent pool for international-level events,” she said.
She added the Games not only foster the development of athletes but also empower individuals with disabilities, build their confidence, and uphold their dignity where they are differently-abled despite their disability.
“Meanwhile, the spirit of unity from the perspective of the Para SUKMA carries a broader meaning, focusing on society’s willingness to embrace the disabilities of para athletes and the recognition that people with disabilities are also capable of competing in competitive sports.
“It is also an opportunity to dispel the common misconception that sports for the disabled are a minority sport, largely unknown to many people,” she said.
The 21st Para SUKMA 2024 which officially started on Sept 22 will run until 28. It will feature 10 sports with 328 events being contested.
The sports that will be contested are Athletics, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Lawn Bowls, Chess, Powerlifting, Archery, and Boccia.
To ensure the smooth running of the Games, 27 Technical Committees have been set up, accommodating 1,279 para athletes and 719 technical officers.
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the banquet.
Among those present was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
