Sporting history exhibition opens in museum

KUALA LUMPUR: An exhibition showcasing Malaysia’s sporting legacy in conjunction with the 29th SEA Games was launched by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

The exhibition titled “Pameran KL 2017 Bangkit Bersama 29th SEA Games and 9th Asean Para Games” was launched together with Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim at the National Museum yesterday.

Khairy said that the exhibition was important and apt as Malaysia was hosting the SEA Games.

“The exhibition will feature special items such as medals from previous SEA Games, while also focusing on our involvement in sports when we last hosted the Games,” he said.

Malaysia hosted the SEA Games in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989 and 2001.

He said the exhibition was an opportunity for the younger generation to revel in the nation’s glorious sporting days.

Khairy also said that in the second phase of the construction of Kuala Lumpur Sports City, he plans to build a national sports museum in the vicinity that will exhibit athletes’ items such as their clothes, shoes, medals and equipment.

“Sports is very important, because when we support our athletes, we will forget all our differences, (hence) sports is a good platform to unite the nation, and with our theme “Bangkit Bersama” I feel it is also appropriate as it is the Merdeka month,” he said.

Khairy added that the theme “Bangkit Bersama” was appropriate as it also portrayed the never-give-up spirit of the athletes.

He said this was especially true for athletes taking part in more than one event.

The “Bangkit Bersama” exhibition will be held in Gallery 1 at the National Museum from Aug 11 till Dec 31.