KUCHING: It is no fluke that Sarawak have been Malaysian Paralympiad champions since 1994 because the state athletes and officials have shown dedication, determination and hardwork.
Fatimah pose with the 2014 Sarawak contingent at the Youth and Sports Complex hall yesterday.
This was the view of Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah during the flag handing-over ceremony for this year’s
Sarawak contingent at the Youth and Sports Complex hall, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce yesterday.
“We have been champions since 1994 but I know the other states are also catching up as they too want to taste the success of winning the title. So please don’t make it easy for them as this is our pride,” she added.
The minister also called on coaches and officials to never stop scouting for young talents for the future in order for Sarawak to enjoy continued success.
She said there are many young and unpolished gems waiting to shine.
“When we are talking about talents, I am also not just talking about sports, but other areas as well… but sports is one key area of our strength,” she stressed.
Badminton player Mohd Zambri Yusof, a gold medalist at the last games in 2012, read an oath on behalf of all the athletes during the ceremony.
Abdul Harris Ishak, who is Sarawak Ministry of Youth and Sports director, was appointed as chef-de-mission this year.
The contingent will travel to Perlis today. The 17th Malaysian Paralympiad will take place from Aug 20-25.