(From fifth left) Fatimah, Masing, Harden and others in a group photo during the appreciation gathering. — Photo by Rusnan Mustafa
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing is proud on the achievement of Sarawak athletes at the just concluded 19th Para Sukma in Perak.
The contingent bagged 61 gold medals to win the overall title for 13 consecutive times and seal their status as Para Sukma powerhouse.
“Personally, I’m very proud of such achievement and I hope that more physically challenged individuals (OKU) will join hands and bring honours to Sarawak at national and international levels,” he said.
Masing delivered his remarks during an appreciation gathering for the Para Sukma 2018 champion contingent at the Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak here yesterday.
Also present were Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.
Masing asserted that OKUs ought not be regarded as weak despite the physical and mental challenges they are facing.
“I believe that they can contribute to the development of sports in the nation.
“Sports provide a platform for the OKUs to compete among themselves so as to seek progress and motivate them to perform better, both physically and mentally,” he added.
And according to him, sports activities can help OKUs build up self-confidence in the community.
“The government has taken various initiatives and given due attention to OKUs involvement in sports, including offering equal amount of incentives to well-performing athletes,” he said.
Masing added that the Sarawak government would not overlook the needs of the OKUs while striving to steer the state towards achieving the developed status.
The government has set up facilities to help OKUs develop their talents and encourage many more to join and unearth their potentials in sports.
“In addition, we hope that more parents will encourage and send their children with special needs to school to cultivate their interest and skills in sports,” he said.
He also hoped that the community is aware of the importance of their responsibility to look after the needs of the OKUs.