By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 23: Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024 kicked off in a blaze of colour and artistry, sweeping the audience with a palpable sense of patriotism, excitement and inclusivity for a night to remember.
The opening ceremony at Sarawak Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya here last night commenced with a captivating fusion performance, featuring two men entering the stage with wheelchairs and rising to execute gravity-defying stunts, followed by various troupes showcasing impressive martial arts displays.
The melodies from traditional music instruments resonated throughout the stadium, creating an infectious energy that had everyone immersed in the breathtaking story. The use of innovative lighting and visual effects added an extra layer of magic, illuminating the performers and enhancing the overall experience.
Next up was the parade of 15 participating contingents from across Malaysia, marching past the VIPs, beginning with Terengganu and ending with host Sarawak. Each contingent received a hero’s welcome as they paraded through the stadium, proudly flying their respective flags.
Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were guests-of-honour at the event.
Also present were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh; Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah who is the responsible minister for Para Sukma 2024; and Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
As the night progressed, highlights included the raising of the Para Sukma flag by the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and oath-taking ceremony led by Sarawak’s para-athletics athlete Leeyendy Jisen Abdullah and chief technical team Arang Kannal Sondarajan.
Meanwhile, the Para Sukma torch was lit by para powerlifter and world record holder Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, accompanied by iconic para athletes Jamery Siga (para swimming), Batricia Richael Sentau (para athletics), Fatimah Wagimin (para powerlifting) and Ting Ing Hock (para ping pong).
The ceremony continued with various entertaining performances featuring Hafiz Suip, Alena Murang, Bob Yusof, Aleysha & Ryan Zachary, Roxy Ixzy, Norafizah Busman, Firdaus Materang, Ramles Walter, Syafieqah Marzuki, and ‘Semangat Perpaduan Membara’ choir performance in sign language by students of Sedidik Kuching and Sarawak Arts Council.
The ceremony reached its climax as the guests made their way outside the stadium to witness a spectacular fireworks display which lit up the night sky, symbolising hope and unity.
As the final bursts of colour faded, the audience erupted into applause, their hearts filled with admiration for the performers and the athletes who would soon take to the field.
From Sept 22 to 28, 1,275 athletes from 15 contingents across Malaysia will compete in 328 events across 10 sports, namely para athletics (134 events), para swimming (60), para powerlifting (24), para chess (23), para tenpin bowling (22), para lawn bowls (20), para ping pong (15), para archery (14), para badminton (13), and boccia (9).
The venues will vary, with the para athletics events scheduled to be held at the Sarawak Stadium (new building) and Sarawak Stadium (old building), para tenpin bowling at Megalanes Emart Batu Kawa, para archery at Archery Range Petra Jaya, para chess at Raia Hotel, boccia at Dewan Persatuan Bola Keranjang Sarawak Kuching, para swimming at Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, para badminton at Dewan Persatuan Badminton Sarawak at BDC, para lawn bowls at Petra Jaya Multipurpose Arena, para ping pong at SJK Chung Hua No. 3, and para powerlifting at the multipurpose hall at Sarawak Youth and Sports Department.
Members of the public are encouraged to come and show their support to the athletes, as entrance is free.
For the record, in Para Sukma 2022, Sabah emerged as the champion with 54 gold medals, narrowly defeating Sarawak, which secured 50.
Sarawak was the Para Sukma champion 13 consecutive times, from 1994 to 2018.
Watch the celebration here. — DayakDaily
