KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will provide incentives to athletes who emerge champions at the 22nd Malaysia Deaf Sports Games (SOPMA) 2025.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State has allocated special provisions to reward winners, adding the initiative is aimed at encouraging athletes and giving due recognition to their achievements.
“Earlier, I have discussed with Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, and the President of Malaysian Deaf Sports Association, Ong Shin Ruenn, on incentives for those who achieve victories in SOPMA. We will provide incentives to those who become champions in the sports contest.
“I will leave the details to Fatimah. My role is to allocate special provisions for incentives to winners starting from this year
“Hopefully, this will encourage athletes competing in SOPMA-22, and in future editions. May it become a meaningful and successful event,” he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating at the opening of 22nd SOPMA at Hikmah Exchange & Event Centre (HECC) here on Thursday.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to sports development, noting that the state is planning long-term investments in facilities for athletes and youth.
“Sarawak embraces an inclusive policy, where we bring together all communities to take part in building our state, not only in economic development, but also in social development, including sports.
“Sarawak will be developing a sports village in Petra Jaya, which will also be equipped with a velodrome for cycling events.
“For those who are more active, we are also building a motorsport circuit here in Sarawak. These are investments we are making for the benefit of the younger generation, including athletes,” he said.
When met by reporters later, Abang Johari said Sarawak decided to step forward in providing the incentives.
“In fact, regarding these incentives, I was informed that at the national level, there are currently no incentives yet.
“However, I was also informed by the president that some states have already provided incentives. Since this is the case, we in Sarawak will also provide incentives,” he said.
He said the quantum of incentives would be decided by Fatimah, taking into account what other states were giving.
The 22nd SOPMA Games is being held from October 2 to 6, with competitions taking place around Kuching and Samarahan with a total of five sports will be contested, namely athletics, badminton, futsal, tenpin bowling, and orienteering.
This year’s championship will see the participation of 14 contingents, comprising 610 athletes.
