By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 2: Sarawak will provide special incentives for athletes who emerge victorious at the Malaysian Deaf Games (SOPMA) beginning this year, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In his opening remarks at the SOPMA XXII opening ceremony held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here tonight, Abang Johari said he had discussed the matter with Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Malaysia Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Ong Shin Ruenn.
“With this, Sarawak will give incentives to those who become champions in the sports competed.
“I am only providing a special allocation for incentives to winners starting from this year,” he said.
He expressed hope that the move would motivate athletes to perform their best and continue excelling in future SOPMA editions.
“Hopefully it will give encouragement to all athletes competing in the 22nd SOPMA, continuing to 23rd, 24th, 25th and beyond. May it be a successful event and a sporting tradition for the future,” he added.
Later, when met by reporters, Abang Johari explained that Sarawak’s initiative followed the example of several other states which had already introduced athlete incentives.
“Actually, I was told that at the national level there is no incentive yet. But since some states have given, Sarawak will also provide.
“The quantum I leave to Datuk Seri Fatimah. It must be consistent with what other states are giving,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
