Para SUKMA XXI: Record-breaking achievements pave the way for PwD empowerment, says Fatimah

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

KUCHING: A total of 22 new national records and 71 new games records were set by Malaysian para athletes during the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA XXI), said Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development said she hoped that Para SUKMA XXI would serve as a catalyst to empower people with disabilities (PwD), providing them opportunities to contribute to the nation’s success not only in sports but in other fields as well.

“The ability to set new records is truly inspiring, and this drive stems from the strong sportsmanship and determination within the athletes to achieve beyond previous accomplishments,” she said during the closing ceremony at Stadium Perpaduan here tonight.

She emphasised the importance of early talent identification among children with disabilities to ensure that appropriate intervention and human development programmes—covering physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects—can be strategically planned and implemented.

Fatimah also extended her gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his commitment and trust in Sarawak’s ability to serve as a capable and integral host for the 21st edition of SUKMA and Para SUKMA.

“With his commitment, we were able to establish the Media Centre and Broadcast Centre to ensure that up-to-date information and results for all events during SUKMA and Para SUKMA were accessible and disseminated to the relevant parties,” she said.

Additionally, Abang Johari provided the same incentives to both SUKMA and Para SUKMA athletes, offering RM15,000 for each gold medal won by Sarawakian athletes and para-athletes.

Moreover, for the first time, thanks to Abang Johari’s support, digital chess technology (DGT Chess Board) has been introduced to Para SUKMA.

“The DGT Chess Board is an advanced electronic chessboard equipped with digital recognition technology, using sensors to automatically detect the positions of chess pieces, allowing moves to be recorded seamlessly.

“The DGT Chess Board is specifically designed for competitive play and meets the standards of official tournaments, capable of managing multiple games at once,” she said.

Fatimah highlighted that through sporting events, Malaysians can strengthen collaboration between the government, statutory bodies, and sports associations, while also promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering values of compassion and kindness in leadership, management, and welfare.

She further noted that the SUKMA and Para SUKMA in Sarawak had a positive impact on the state’s eco-tourism and boosted the income of local small businesses.

“Alongside the games, we also hosted the 21st Para SUKMA Carnival 2024 at Tapak Perayaan, Petra Jaya.

“The carnival served as a platform to showcase the talents of people with disabilities, foster cultural exchange through special performances, crafts, and local cuisine.

“We hope that the emphasis on empowering the disabled community, particularly through the exposure of their talents during the Para SUKMACarnival, will provide unforgettable experiences for participants, enhancing their confidence in front of an audience,” she said.

She extended her best wishes to the Selangor state government, wishing them success as hosts of the 22nd Para SUKMA in 2026.

Present at the closing ceremony were Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh; Youth, Sarawak Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee; Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Deputy Minister and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam. --Borneo Post