KUCHING: Sarawak which will host the 21st edition of the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in 174 days is gearing up for the sporting spectacle.
Preparations are well underway for the biggest sporting event in the country said an excited Youth, Sports and Sarawak Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He wants the state to not only be a good host but, more importantly, produce a sterling performance at the Games.
“I would like to call on all to unite and do our best to make Sarawak the overall champion at the 21st Sukma,” he said the handing over of annual state grants to associations and sports bodies here yesterday.
Abdul Karim, in this respect, said every association and athlete must cultivate the mindset of champions to achieve set targets.
And he warned them not to resort to playing politics or favouritism in athlete management, saying this will interfere with performance.
“I am excited about the organisation of the biggest sports event in Malaysia,” he said, underscoring the importance of doing well at Sukma this year.
“We need to redouble our efforts to strengthen all the sports facilities and facilities that are needed during Sukma Sarawak.
“We also need to be ready to provide the best service to all visitors to Sarawak in conjunction with Sukma.”
Annual grants amounting to RM1,628,600 were allocated to 43 associations as well as youth and sports organisations in the state.
Abdul Karim said the grants were a state government measure to help them remain active and committed to implementing programmes and activities throughout the year.
It is also to improve their potential and performance, he added.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Permanent Secretary Morshidi Fredrick and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Sherrina Hussaini.
