Paralympians gunning for record 10th title

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PROUD MOMENT: It was a proud moment for Yusuf Dewa as he received the state colours from Assistant Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Robert Lawson on behalf of the 172 paralympians who will be gunning to defend their title for a record 10th time at the 16th National Paralympiad to be held at Kuantan, Pahang starting today.

KUCHING: State local paralympians have the full support from the government and the people in their pursuit to retain the title for a record 10th time at the 16th National Paralympiad to be held at Kuantan, Pahang from Dec 7 to 12.

Speaking at the state colours presentation ceremony held at Kota Samarahan yesterday, Assistant Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Robert Lawson Chuat commended the 172 paralympians who will be spearheading Sarawak’s challenge in the prestigious event.

“We are proud of them and have high hopes for them to come back home as champions,” he said while encouraging members of state contingent who will be led by Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

For the record, Sarawak had won the event for the past nine years and are looking forward to retain the title for the 10th time.

It goes without saying that Sarawak is the sports powerhouse when Paralympiad is concerned and the might of the local paralympians is a force to be reckoned with by others.

Earlier during the function, State Welfare Department director Noriah Ahmad disclosed Sarawak will compete in nine events namely athletics, swimming, 10 pin bowling, badminton, power lifting, ping pong, petanque, chess and lawn bowl.

According to her, the athletes had attended a two-week long centralised training camp at Kota Samarahan since Nov 26 as part of their final preparations.

In the previous Paralympiad held in Melaka Sarawak brought home 68 gold medals, 91 silver medals and 74 bronze to retain overall champion for a record ninth time.

Two local athletes were also selected to represent Malaysia in the recent London Paralympics and they are namely Jemary Sigar and Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah.

Eventhough they did not fare well in the world class event, nevertheless they achieved the number five and eight of world rankings respectively in the S5 category of the 50 meter free style and 100 meter breast stroke.

Perhaps the exploits of national diving queen Pandelela Rinong Pamg in the recent summer Olympics will become the much needed tonic to boost the state’s paralympians quest to bring glory to Sarawak once again.