By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 6: Sarawak’s para athletes have contributed five gold, five silver and three bronze at the ongoing 12th Asean Para Games in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, which will take place until June 9.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said as of yesterday (June 5), Malaysia contingent has achieved a commendable record of 23 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze, placing them fourth in the overall rakings, with Indonesia leading the competition.
The Malaysia contingent aims to secure 33 gold, 51 silver and 58 bronze, with Sarawak athletes aiming to deliver 14 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze to this total.
Out of the 144 para athletes representing Malaysia, Sarawak is proud to have 18 athletes participating in eight sporting events, including wheelchair basketball, badminton, boccia, chess, CP football, swimming, table tennis, and powerlifting.
In support of the Malaysia and Sarawak teams, Fatimah, accompanied by her deputy Mohd Razi Sitam and Women and Family Department director Adana Jed will be flying to Cambodia on tomorrow (June 7).
“Our attendance is crucial as it will provide invaluable exposure in the preparation for Sarawak, which is expected to host the Sukma and Para Sukma Games in 2024.
“We also hope our presence will give motivational boost to the Sarawakian athletes in particular to demostrate their exceptional skills across all events they participate in.
“Our athletes are committed and dedicated in their events and we are confident they will deliver outstanding performances and bring glory to Malaysia, particularly Sarawak,” she said during a press conference at her Ministry’s office at Baitulmakmur Building II, Petra Jaya today.
The Malaysia contingent embarked on their journey to Phnom Penh on May 31 and is scheduled to return home on June 10.
During the opening ceremony on June 3, Sarawakian boccia para athlete Angeline Melissa Lawas had the honour of carrying the Jalur Gemilang flag, while Sarawak para swimmer Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli took the oath on behalf of the Malaysia contingent.
Furthermore, Ashley Irenaeus, a Sarawak para athlete in badminton, had the privilege of hoisting the Asean Para Games Cambodia 2023 flag to welcome the 11 participating countries at Morodok Techo Stadium on June 2.
Deputy Minister for Community Wellbeing Development Mohamad Razi Sitam and Ministry’s permanent secretary Noriah Ahmad were among those present. — DayakDaily
