Sarawak govt appreciative of Sukma, Para Sukma XXI sponsors

KUCHING (July 17): The Sarawak government has expressed appreciation to the sponsors who have played a pivotal role in the successful hosting of Sukma XXI and Para Sukma XXI.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), highlighted the collaborative efforts involving the federal government, Sarawak Government, sports associations, non-governmental organisations, volunteers, and crucial stakeholders including the sponsors.

“We appreciate the generous contributions and steadfast commitment of our sponsors.

“Your belief in the potential of our young athletes and your dedication in promoting sports excellence will truly make a profound impact on this prestigious national sports event,” he said at the Sukma XXI Sarawak and Para Sukma XXI sponsors appreciation ceremony at a hotel here today.

“To date, we received a total of 27 sponsors with total contributions both cash and in kind totalling RM13,040,360.

“We appreciate the contributions and support from our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors comprising distinguished corporate bodies, statutory bodies and government linked-companies,” he added.

Apart from that, Abdul Karim revealed that Sarawak has six official partners in organising the sporting event – Malaysia Airlines (airline), Grab (e-hailing), Keris Sakti (merchandise), Rapid Bus (transport), TVS and RTM (official broadcasters).

“Your partnership has not only assisted in organising a successful national sports event but also contributed to the development of sports at the grassroots levels, nurturing future champions and promoting a healthier and more active community.

“One of the reasons why we agreed to host Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak is that we want to identify and nurture talents in sports. The event will go a long way to contribute to our youth and sports development.

“As we look ahead, we are confident that with continued support from sponsors like you, we can further elevate the standard of sports in our nation and empower more of our young athletes to excel in their chosen fields,” he said.

Also thanking the sponsors for their unwavering support for Para Sukma XXI was Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

“We have produced world class para athletes such as Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifter) and Jamery Siga (swimming).

“We have won the Para Sukma overall championship for 13 times. This year we will give our very best to win the championship for the 14th time,” she said.

“Para Sukma XXI will be the best opportunity for our para athletes to display their abilities despite their disabilities,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Platinum sponsors are Celcom DIGI, U Mobile, MOMA Water, and Milo Malaysia, while the Gold sponsors are Sarawak Energy, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad, Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, Ta Ann Holdings Sdn Bhd, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Cahya Mata Sarawak.

Silver sponsors are Affin Group, Bintulu Development Authority, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation & Subsidiaries, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd, WTK Holdings Bhd, MyUS Autotech Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Petra Energy Bhd and Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd.

Bronze sponsors are KTS Group, Hock Seng Lee Bhd, Lee Fah Mee Trading Sdn Bhd, Shell Malaysia, Ibraco Bhd, Brooke Holding Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Incorporation Sdn Bhd and Borneo Development Corporation (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.

Among those present at the appreciation ceremony were MYSED deputy minister II Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam; MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick; Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Felicia Tan; and Sukma XXI Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Hii Chang Kii who is also deputy state secretary.