KUCHING: The state will look to learn from the 15th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Pahang this July 7-16, as it prepares to host Sukma XVII in 2016.
Last hosting the prestigious Malaysian sporting event at its Sukma III in 1990, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang told a press conference yesterday that the state was looking to gain experience from the hosting aspect of the games apart from its main focus on athletic achievements.
“We appreciate the vast experience of Pahang when it comes to hosting sporting events. They have the ability to minimise logistical problems on the ground,” Jabu who is also Rural Development Minister and Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture added after receiving a courtesy call from the Pahang Sukma XV (2012) committee at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
The delegates were led by Pahang’s Youth, Sports and Cultural committee chairman Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat and Sukma XV-Pahang 2012 secretariat deputy senior-executive officer Rose Shamsul Abdul Razak.
Also present at the courtesy visit were Assistant Minister of Sports Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin who is also the state’s Sukma XV contingent chef de mission and Assistant Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi.
Jabu mentioned that the visitors had briefed the state on how they minimised logistic problems, food supply and all other practical problems that might occur during large sporting events.
In addition, Wan Adnan and his delegates took the opportunity to use this trip to extend an official invitation to the state to participate in the upcoming Malaysia Games.
“With over 9,000 athletes and officials participating in Sukma this July, it is not an easy job to become host. There are big and difficult tasks ahead for the Pahang Sukma committee, sports committee and the government. We appreciate them coming as this meeting was a two-way discussion.
“The state is content with the briefing and explanation given by Wan Adnan,” continued Jabu.
He highlighted that Sarawak will treat this event as a stepping stone for its young athletes to compete, gain experience while trying to unearth new talents.
The state will strive to contribute to the country by producing quality athletes and adds to its impressive collection to the likes of swimming sensation Tania Bugo, flying Dayak Watson Nyambek (track and field), diving sensation Pandelela Rinong, young Olympian Bryan Nickson Lomas and others.
Jabu also commended the good response from all races here in producing athletes to compete in the Malaysia Games.
The state, targeting 47 gold medals, will send a strong contingent of 376 athletes together with 490 officials to Pahang.
Meanwhile Wan Adnan when addressing the press stated that Pahang is currently 95 per cent ready to host Sukma in a month’s time. He explained the courtesy visit yesterday was to brief the state on preparation and available facilities for all participating contingents.
“Apart from extending our official invitation personally to the Sarawak Government to participate and visit the games, we are also trying to identify potential issues that might occur to each participating contingents. Being host of Sukma for the second time, we hoped to provide an opportunity for Sarawak to learn and become a better host come 2016.”
Pahang will host 24 (compulsory) sports with 377 events this Malaysia Games. There would be 1,207 medals up for grabs.
Responding to traffic issues that often plagued the state capital, Kuantan, Wan Adnan assured that athletes and officials would not be affected with traffic congestion.
All the competition venues are located some five to 20 minutes walking distance from the games villages. He highlighted that all venues would be equipped with a media centre.
“The main stadium has a modern media centre facilities such as mini studio, 24 contis (broadcasting rooms) and its own cafeteria to ensure that media personnel does not have to leave the premises for food,” he continued.