Use disability as strength

KUALA LUMPUR: Athletes competing in the Malaysian Para Games (SUKMA) 2024 should use their disabilities as a driving force to clinch championship titles, said Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

In an exclusive interview on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme today (July 30), Fatimah emphasised the need to motivate every athlete to excel in their respective sports.

“For every athlete with disabilities (OKU), they should utilise their talents so that society can see beyond their physical capabilities. This special ability should be highlighted and used as a driving force to pursue championships,” she said.

The participation of five Sarawakian athletes in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is expected to inspire Sarawakian athletes to achieve even greater heights in the Para SUKMA 2024, she added.

To provide more opportunities for para athletes, she announced that the age limit for this year’s Para SUKMA event has been raised from 40 to 45 years old.