Para Sukma brings out top athletes who bring glory to nation, says S’wak Premier
by Matthew Umpang · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 22): The Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) has constantly produced athletes who bring honour to the country, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In his speech at the Para Sukma opening ceremony, Abang Johari said among such talents is Sarawak’s own Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who broke world records.
“Bonnie has brought many honours to not only Sarawak but Malaysia as well. For that, Sarawak will reward him with RM500,000. Sarawak has always been committed in the development of sports too,” he said.
The opening ceremony at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, federal Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Yeoh also echoed Abang Johari’s sentiments and pointed out that 19 of the Malaysian para athletes who competed in the recent Paralympics in Paris were unearthed in previous editions of Para Sukma.
The national multi-level sporting event for para athletes, which starts today and ends Sept 28, will see athletes from all over Malaysia compete in 10 sports ranging from badminton to powerlifting with 328 medals on the line.