KUCHING, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is targeting 83 gold medals in its quest for a 14th championship title at the Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) 2024, which is scheduled to take place from Sept 23 to 28.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was confident that the state’s para athletes would deliver strong performances after undergoing overseas training ahead of the Games.
He said this reflected the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the para-athletes, who spent time and effort to undergo intensive training.
“We have a strong sports spirit, which is why I emphasise sports because it leads to an important factor – discipline. If all Sarawak athletes are disciplined, their performance will improve, and so will sports development.
“My colleagues and I have made efforts to provide sufficient training for the Para SUKMA athletes, even if it means going to South Africa, as we believe in their potential. If (Paralympic athlete) Bonnie (Bunyau) can do it, you all can do it too,” he said during the Sarawak Para SUKMA contingent flag handover ceremony here today.
Abang Johari also announced that Sarawak para athletes who won gold medals in this edition of Para SUKMA would receive an incentive of RM15,000, while silver medallists will receive RM5,000 and bronze medallists, RM3,000.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that this Para SUKMA would involve 1,290 para-athletes, comprising 982 men and 308 women.
"Out of the total, 213 para-athletes are from Sarawak, consisting of 143 males and 70 females,” she said, adding that she was confident with the strong contingent, the target of 83 gold medals could be achieved.
-- BERNAMA
