Fatimah (seated, centre), Chin (at her left) and Dayang Mariani in a photo-call at the press conference.
KUCHING: Three para athletes from Sarawak have qualified for next year’s Tokyo Paralympiad.
This was revealed by Persatuan Sukan dan Rekreasi Orang Kurang Upaya Negeri Sarawak (Pesron Sarawak) president Matthew Chin yesterday.
The three are Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkifli (swimming), Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (power lifting) and Wiro Julin (archery).
“We expect that there will be more coming in,” added Chin at a press conference held at Bangunan Baitulmakmur, Petra Jaya here.
He believes that chances are good that Sarawak para athletes can win medals in Tokyo 2020 especially in powerlifting.
He highlighted the example of Bonnie who is a junior world record holder.
Meanwhile, the conference provided an update on the Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry’s preparation for the Karnival Orang Kurang Upaya (Kokus) to be held at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) campus from Nov 23-27.
According to its minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the carnival is organised for individuals with special needs (OKUs) all over the state and comprises three components: Sports, ‘Abilympics’ and Cultural Talents.
“We plan to have this carnival held biennially. Through this carnival, we are encouraging the OKUs to provide them with avenues as well as opportunities to be involved in healthy, productive and entertaining activities.
“The event will also serve as a way for our para athletes to train and prepare for the upcoming Para Sukma 2020 to be held in Johor next year,” she added.
Fatimah also took the opportunity to share good news on the recognition of para athletes and officials during last weekend’s Sarawak Sports Awards Night held in Sibu.
Pesron Sarawak, despite being in existence for only 10 years, was named the Best Sports Association.
Filemon Lirong Dionisus and Noshazwani Maisara Marzuki were honoured as the Paralympic Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.
Mustafa Khan was named the Best Paralympic Coach.
Also present at the press conference yesterday was Special Olympics Kuching Chapter president Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain.