By Dayak Daily Team
KUCHING, April 25: The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) has agreed to amend the rules for the Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Games, scheduled to take place from September 20 to 28.
According to a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Women, Children, and Community Welfare Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah announced that under the new rules, any sports event at Para Sukma could be contested if only two states and four athletes participate.
Fatimah explained that this amendment differs from the previous rules, which required the participation of three states and three athletes to contest sports events.
“The previous rules stated that as long as there are three states and three athletes, the event can proceed. The amendment we made changes this requirement to two states and four athletes, allowing the event to be contested,” she said.
Fatimah disclosed this during a press conference held during a courtesy visit of the Sukma and Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 delegation to the Melaka State Youth Development, Sports, and NGO Exco P. Shanmugan Pitchay at the Tun Mutahir Meeting Room, Seri Negeri Melaka, Ayer Keroh today.
She added that the amendment aims to encourage athlete participation in the Para Sukma Games.
“The principle we hold for this Para Sukma sport is to provide opportunities. Winning is a bonus, but in our efforts to empower disabled athletes, we must give them opportunities and ample space. Based on that principle, this amendment has been approved by the MPM,” she added.
Fatimah noted that the new rules are expected to attract more Para athletes and further promote the state and the country on the world stage.
She further explained that as of yesterday, a total of 1520 athletes and 788 officials will be involved in this edition of Para Sukma.
“Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will attend the Sukma Dinner on Sept 21, and the following day, on Sept 22, the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will officiate the game at Petra Jaya Unity Stadium. The closing ceremony will be officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, on Sep 28,” she said.
The Sarawak delegation was led by the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship Development of Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. — DayakDaily
