KUCHING: Sarawak’s top para-athletes will head to Germany for training and competition to gain exposure to world-class facilities and elite-level coaching.
A total of 13 delegates, including athletes, coaches and support personnel, will represent the state in the German-Sarawak Special Athlete Sportsman Programme.
It will be held from June 16 to 25 in Berlin, Germany.
The initiative was announced by Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, during a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building II today.
“We pray that all aspects of their journey, travel, training, competition, and briefings go smoothly, and that they will be able to see and experience firsthand the world-class facilities in Germany, which are among the best globally for Paralympic sports.
“We truly hope they gain maximum benefit from this experience. More importantly, we want it to translate into improved performance and progress upon their return,” said Fatimah.
The programme is spearheaded by the Sarawak Sports and Recreation Association for Persons with Special Needs (PESRON) and led by its president, Matthew Chin Hiong Choi, who also heads the state delegation.
“May this opportunity through exposure, training and competition in Berlin elevate them to even greater heights,” Fatimah added.
Among the athletes in the delegation are Richard Ganie James Sigan, a multiple Para SUKMA gold medallist (2018, 2022, 2024) in the javelin and discus events, and Nur Farhani Kudus, a promising young talent and UiTM student who recently clinched bronze in the 400-metre event at the IPC Grand Prix in India.
Other notable team members include Jap Soon Hung and Norshazwani Maisara, both decorated Para SUKMA champions.
Fatimah underscored the importance of gaining exposure to elite training environments and global expertise.
A key figure they will meet is Ralph Paulo, Head of Paralympic Sports in Brandenburg, who has played a pivotal role in Germany’s medal success at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“The team will also participate in sessions with sports psychologists, nutritionists and experienced coaches, in addition to visiting world-class training centres,” she added.
She then said that the delegation will follow a packed daily schedule that includes training sessions, briefings and networking engagements.
The programme’s European Relations Officer, Peter Jaehne, has been instrumental in facilitating connections between PESRON, the German Paralympic Committee, and the embassies of both Malaysia and Germany.
Fatimah extended her best wishes for a safe and productive journey, expressing hope that the experience will have a lasting impact on the growth and excellence of para sports in Sarawak.
