Sarawak still Para Sukma powerhouse

IPOH: Sarawak athletes won 61 gold medals at the just concluded 19th Para Sukma in Perak, and although they missed the 77-gold target, it was enough to emerge as the overall champions for the 13th time.

The contingent also snatched 62 silver and 60 bronze medals along with the crown as neighbours Sabah also did well, ending their campaign in second with 36 gold, 28 silver and 30 bronze medals.

Hosts Perak were third after collecting 29 gold, 33 silver and 22 bronze medals.

Sarawak contingent head Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said they could not have been able to achieve the remarkable feat without the commitment of everyone, including the state government, athletes, coaches and parents.

“We faced many challenges during the Games. For example, some of our athletes that were classified under intellectual disability ( ID) did not qualify to compete under the category after a re- classification process. And unfortunately, they ended up not competing at all.

“But t he n a g a i n o t h e r contingents also have the same problem,” she told Bernama on Wednesday.

Fat imah, who is also the Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister, said she was proud of the athletes’ achievements.

“The team spirit was high among the athletes. Para Sukma is a platform and opportunity for them to showcase their talents,” she said.

She also heaped praise on young athletes and was impressed on their achievement, with some managed to win medals in their f irst ever appearance at the Games.

Asked ab out S a r awak’s preparation for the next Para Sukma, she said the team would start training early next year.

“If we want to be champions again, we cannot be complacent and must step out of the comfort zone. We must not wait and start

The team spirit was high among the athletes. Para Sukma is a platform and opportunity for them to showcase their talents. Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development

working for the next Para Sukma,” she said while urging Sarawak to continue to be committed to defend the title at the 20th edition in Johor in 2020.

The 2018 Para Sukma, which began on Nov 24, was officially closed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu on Wednesday. — Bernama

LSC managing director Raymond Sim Hee Pang hands over the sponsorships to KDFA president Fazruddin Abdul Rahman (second right) at Sarawak Plaza. Looking on from left are Sara Urusharta Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex) general manager Alan Poh, LSC advertising and promotion officer Julie Jee, retail manager Melati Melebeh and KDFA vice president Kamaluddin Akil.

Sarawak’s Filemon Lirong Dionisus (left), with his guide, competes in the men’s 400m T11 (visually impaired) during the Perak Para Sukma at Stadium Perak in this Nov 26 file photo. He won the race in 63.21sec. — Bernama photos

File photo of Sarawak’s powerlifter Endi Bak (left) and Gustin Jenang posing with their gold medals after winning the men’s 54kg and 59kg categories respectively.