MIRI: Sarawak is on the lookout for new talents for the upcoming Malaysia Games 2024 (PARA SUKMA).
Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the state is dedicated to identifying and nurturing talented individuals in various para sports.
“This initiative is not just about providing opportunities for these athletes to excel but also about fostering community awareness and appreciation for para sports,” she said.
Sarawak is set to host the games from September 21 to 29, which the ministry has identified 10 sporting events for persons with disabilities.
“Our selection includes Boccia, swimming, badminton, and athletics, offering a platform for these athletes to demonstrate their abilities,” she told reporters after officiating of the Wishesland Boccia Hall here today (Feb 18).
The construction of the RM250,000 Boccia Hall, along with beautification works for Wishes Magick Garden, was funded by Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
This facility, meeting the Boccia International Sport Federation (BisFed) standards, marks the first of its kind in Sarawak.
Looking ahead, Fatimah expressed high hopes for Sarawak’s Boccia team at the Para Sukma Games in Kuching, aiming for four gold medals.
“At the last PARA SUKMA in 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, our team secured two golds, one silver, and three bronzes. With five of our athletes based in Miri, training at the Wishesland Boccia Hall, we are optimistic about our prospects,” she added.
In preparation for PARA SUKMA 2024, 18 athletes and officials will travel to Chungju, Chung Cheong Bok-Do, South Korea, in April for a week of training and friendly matches.
Furthermore, a Talent Identification Development programme has led to the selection of three Wishesland Miri members as reserve team members for the Sarawak Boccia Team, all competing in the BC3 male category.
Tay Boon Seng, a member of Wishesland Miri and the national Boccia champion, will represent Sarawak in both the BC2 Male and BC1/BC2 Team events at PARA SUKMA 2024 in Kuching.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Wishesland Miri Advisor and Sarawak Boccia Association president Chi Poh Yung, and Wishesland Miri founder Katherine Chai Fung Ling.
