By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawak has taken a significant step in solidifying its reputation as a premier sports host with the recent successful organisation of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma, paving the way for the State to become an excellent co-host of the SEA Games in 2027.
Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan proudly shared that Sarawak’s role in Sukma and Para Sukma demonstrated its capability to host large-scale events, boosting confidence at the federal level and contributing to the decision to grant Sarawak a prominent role in the SEA Games.
“This is why the Federal government has agreed for Sarawak to be a co-host for the SEA Games 2027.
“Although we will need to incur expenses, this (co-host role) will further enhance Sarawak’s image,” he said when officiating the 2024 Para Sukma Appreciation Ceremony held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night (Nov 12).
Awang Tengah also launched the 2024 Para Sukma’s coffee table book titled “A Celebration of True Grit” at the event.
He also presented prizes to the winners of Photography & Video Contest which was co-organised by Kuching Division Journalists’ Association (KDJA) and Para Sukma Secretariat in conjunction with the commencement of Para Sukma in September.
In the Photography (Open) category, Nuraziera Sarkawi won first place and brought home RM3,000 cash prize while Mohmad Nahari Naha bagged RM2,000 in second place and Mohd Fitri Redzuan Lee secured RM1,000 in third.
In the Photography (Youth) category, champion Dayang Nurin ‘Asyiqin Awang Hafizam walked away with RM2,000, followed by Hanif Omar in second place (RM1,000) and Kenny Blundy Edi in third place (RM750).
For the Video category, fellow media colleagues from Suara Sarawak, ‘Aizat Abdul Rahman and Hafiz Syazwan Sali, won first and second places. They bagged RM2,000 and RM1,000, respectively.
The third place was won by Utusan Borneo’s Mohammad Faisal Ahmad, bringing home RM750.
Also present at the event were Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing and Sarawak’s Para Sukma contingent chef-de-mission (CDM) Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam; Deputy Minister of Women and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus; and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee who is also the chief executive officer of Para Sukma 2024. — DayakDaily
