Sarawak Para Sukma Medallists to Receive Equal Cash Incentives as Sukma 2024 Winners
KUCHING, Sept 11 – Sarawakian athletes who secure medals at the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024 will receive cash incentives equal to those awarded to Sukma medalists, ensuring fair recognition for their achievements.
Equal Rewards for Para Sukma and Sukma 2024 Medallists
Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, confirmed that the Sarawak state government would extend similar cash incentives to Para Sukma athletes to acknowledge their efforts and victories on par with Sukma 2024 winners.
“Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has previously set the incentives at RM15,000 for gold medalists, RM5,000 for silver, and RM3,000 for bronze,” stated Fatimah in a press release by the Malaysia Information Department (JAPEN) Sarawak on Tuesday (Sept 10).
Courtesy Visit to Sarawak Governor
On Monday, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, along with a delegation, paid a courtesy visit to Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Astana Negeri Sarawak. The purpose of the visit was to officially invite Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, to attend the opening ceremony of Para Sukma Sarawak 2024. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya on September 22.
Games to be Held in Kuching
Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 will be held entirely in Kuching, running from September 22 to 28. The event will feature 10 sports and 328 events, showcasing the skills and determination of differently-abled athletes from across Malaysia.
The games, which highlight inclusive sports, will see participants competing in various disciplines including athletics, swimming, powerlifting, and more. Sarawak is poised to shine as a welcoming host, providing an exceptional platform for athletes to demonstrate their abilities and gain well-deserved recognition.
Emphasizing Equal Opportunities and Recognition
Fatimah reiterated the importance of recognizing the achievements of Para Sukma athletes, noting that their commitment and resilience deserve equal acknowledgment. By providing identical incentives, Sarawak aims to send a strong message of inclusivity and support for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities.
“Our Para Sukma athletes have trained just as hard, if not harder, to reach this stage. It is only fair that their efforts are equally rewarded,” added Fatimah.
Key Figures in the Courtesy Visit
The courtesy visit to Astana Negeri Sarawak was attended by several key figures, including:
- Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister of Women and Childhood Development
- Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development
- Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry
- Semawi Mohamad, Director of the Social Welfare Department
These officials expressed their commitment to ensuring a successful Para Sukma 2024, with plans to further promote the games and encourage widespread participation and support.
Para Sukma: A Platform for Inspiration and Change
The Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 is set to be a significant event that not only celebrates athletic excellence but also serves as an inspiration to the broader community. It underscores the importance of equal treatment and recognition for athletes with disabilities, highlighting their role as vital contributors to the sporting landscape of Malaysia.
As Sarawak continues to prepare for the games, the announcement of equal cash incentives aligns with the state’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive society where every achievement is celebrated equally. With excitement building up towards the opening ceremony on September 22, the Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 promises to be a landmark event that showcases the spirit of unity, perseverance, and equality.
Conclusion
The decision to award equal cash incentives to Sarawak Para Sukma medallists underscores Sarawak’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity in sports. This move not only motivates the athletes but also sets a positive example for other states to follow, ensuring that every athlete, regardless of physical ability, is valued and celebrated.