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Fatimah (fourth left), Abang Johari on her left and other guests in showing support for the Sarawak Para Sukma athletes during the Sarawak flag handover ceremony here today. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Sept 11): The Sarawak Para Sukma XXI contingent is determined to reclaim the throne as the Games overall champion from Sabah, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development said that the success of Sarawak’s non-para athletes in the last Sukma should fuel their fighting spirit and sportsmanship in order to win the title at the 2024 Para Sukma, to be held from Sept 22 to 28.
“Since January 2024, Sarawak’s para athletes have been training diligently and with determination at their respective locations alongside appointed officials.
“Make sure that this time, the Sarawak para contingent reclaims the throne as Para Sukma champions for the 14th time,” she said.
Fatimah was speaking at the ‘Ibu Pertiwi’ flag handover ceremony to the Sarawak Para Sukma XXI contingent here today, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Sabah Para Sukma contingent became overall champion in 2022 with 54 gold, 36 silver and 35 bronze medals, while Sarawak came second with 50 gold, 47 silver and 49 bronze medals.
Adding on, Fatimah said that this edition of the Games would involve 1,290 para athletes, comprising 982 males and 308 females.
Out of that, 213 are Sarawakians, consisting of 143 male and 70 female.
“I would also like to share that 260 para athletes participating in the 21st Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 are wheelchair users, either motorised or manual, with 195 male and 65 female para-athletes,” she said.
Fatimah further mentioned that 85 new para athletes have been identified to compete in this edition of Para Sukma, a result of the Talent Identification Tour in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Sri Aman.
She added that 700 volunteers would be assigned throughout the Games, which would be held in Kuching.
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