All systems go for Para Sukma XXI in Kuching

KUCHING (Sept 21): Sarawak is all geared up to host the Para Sukan Malaysia (Para Sukma) 2024 which will kick off tomorrow here.

Speaking to Bernama ahead of tomorrow’s opening ceremony, Sarawak Sukma Chief Executive Officer Datuk Hii Chang Kee said the 27 committees involved are 100 percent ready to host the Games which ends next Saturday.

He added that they are ready to receive over 1,200 athletes with disability (PWD), 50 support athletes and 719 officials representing 15 contingents nationwide during the Games.

“Preparations for the Sukma had been made simultaneously with the Sukma (held from Aug 17-24). We are ready with preparations in terms of logistics at the venues, accommodation, food and facilities such as disabled-friendly toilets, transport.

“We also have over 700 volunteers, with the majority gaining experience during Sukma to help in terms of organising. We are determined to host the best Para Sukma,” he said.

After receiving praise from various quarters in the organisation of Sukma last month, Hii ​​said that although the number of athletes and officials for Para Sukma was lower than the 12,000 participants during the able-bodied games, organisers faced a different set of challenges in ensuring all facilities were PWD-friendly and suitable for them.

He said that preparations involved competition venues, accommodation, and toilets with wheelchair access (ramp) and getting the help of Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), which sent 25 disabled-friendly buses to Kuching.

“We are ready by taking into account all other challenges to treat them with concern and care. We want to be a loving host,” he said adding that contingent members have begun arriving since Thursday and were accommodated in 19 hotels in the state capital.

Hii promised an element of surprise at the opening ceremony of the games at Stadium Perpaduan, which will see attendance from some 3,000 people.

The Para Sukma will be telecast live on Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), TV Sarawak (TVS), the Para Sukma application and social media.

Meanwhile, he called on all Malaysians to support the Para Sukma athletes by attending events at their respective venues or watching them on television or online.

A total of 328 gold from 10 sports – athletics, powerlifting, badminton, swimming, table tennis, field bowling, archery, boccia, tenpin bowling and chess – will be contested this time. – Bernama