State Sec Morshidi, flanked by permanent secretary to Ministry of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Kameri Affandi (left) and Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee who is also director of Sarawak SSC, speaking to reporters at Sarawak Aquatic Stadium in Petra Jaya yesterday. — Photo by Harry Ilias
KUCHING: The ‘Dry Run’ for Sukma XVIII went smoothly yesterday, putting the state on firm footing as host to welcome over 5,000 athletes from West Malaysia, Sabah, Federal Territory and Brunei.
“We are going full gear in preparing for the (national) games from July 22-31. To ensure that Sukma XVIII is run smoothly, we are having a “dry run” today,” State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani said yesterday, witnessing the rehearsal on logistics as Sukma organising chairman.
The Sukma Dry Run also saw the simulation of events like swimming, lawn bowls and squash at the Sarawak Stadium Complex.
“Generally, I am happy with the preparations so far and of course in this Dry Run, there are areas we need to improve on as we cannot afford to have hiccups during the Sukma proper,” he told reporters in a press conference at the Media Centre at Sarawak Aquatic Stadium.
Morshidi said there was also a trial run on the transportation where buses ferried athletes from the Games Village at Unimas, Kota Samarahan to the Sarawak Stadium Complex — a 45-minute trip.
“We shall be using 100 buses to transport the athletes and officials for Sukma and 25 buses with seating capacity of 60 people are provided by RapidKL, apart from 4WD vehicles, vans and coaches.
“We will be appointing a manager to ensure the smooth running of every venue while the chief technical delegates will look after the technical aspects of the competition,” he added.
Morshidi said the state government spent almost RM400 million to build new facilities and upgarde existing facilities in preparing for the 18th edition of Sukma while another RM50 million will be set aside as operating expenses and organising costs.
“Hopefully, we can get some assistance from the federal government to cover the organising costs,” said Morshidi who commended the organising committee and all involved in the preparations for Sukma for their dedication and commitment.
“My athletes and my officials are excited and raring to go,” said Morshidi.
He added that the official opening will be graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Abdul Taib Mahmud on July 23 while the event will be closed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Tun Najib Abdul Razak on July 31 at the Sarawak Stadium.
To facilitate the coverage of Sukma XVIII, the organising committee has also set up a media centre which will be run by ICT management company WSL MSC Sdn Bhd.
“We have 20 stations for the media personnel to check results, schedules and to file their reports and send to their newspapers, radio or TV stations,” said WSL MSC Sdn Bhd CEO Johaniff Johari. “Our officials will be here to provide technical support during Sukma XVIII and a briefing will be held on July 17 for all media,” he added.
Apart from enjoying the free wi-fi service, the media can also check results and schedules through the apps downloaded to their handphones and connected to the official website of Sukma XVIII.