Fatimah confirms two Sarawakians bound for Rio Paralympic Games

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Fatimah(centre), accompanied by Hasidah (second left) fielding questions from reporters.

Fatimah(centre), accompanied by Hasidah (second left) fielding questions from reporters.

KUCHING: Two State Paralympic athletes have been selected to represent the nation in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said the two athletes Jamery Siga and Jong Yee Khie will take part in the swimming and weightlifting events in the world games to be held from Sept 7 to 18 this year.

“Making us more proud is that Jong was also selected to become a flag bearer for Malaysian contingent,” said Fatimah during a press conference at the media centre, State Aquatic centre in Petrajaya here yesterday.

Also present during the conference were early Childhood Education and Family Development Assistant Minister Sharifah Hasidah Syaeed Aman Ghazali and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee.

Fatimah also disclosed that weightlifting coach Jamal Adam will be in the Malaysia contingent noting that one of the state’s paralympic athletes Sandra Tiong was also selected by Malaysian Invasion Spirit Emotion (MISSIM) with two other athletes as a supporter for national team.

‘They will not compete in the games but go as a support group for the teams and as an exposure for them to gain experience so that they can learn more in their respective field,” she said.

Fatimah is satisfied with the achievement of the state’s athletes as they well on course to win the championship again this year.

As of yesterday, the team had garnered 61 gold, 46 silver and 57 bronze medals placing them way ahead of the other contingents.

On the same matter, she said the state government had approved the incentives for those who won medals during the games.

Fatimah said the quantum will be the same as received by Sukma athletes as approved by the state government.

“This award will motivate our athletes if they receive the same amount with Sukma athletes,” she added.