KUCHING: Sarawak is taking a step toward global sports collaboration, studying Catalonia’s model of athlete welfare and post-career transition as part of efforts to enhance long-term athlete support in the state.
The initiative follows a meeting between Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Minister of Sports of the Government of Catalonia Berni Álvarez, during the Sarawak delegation’s official visit to Spain.
During the meeting, both ministers exchanged views on the vital role of sports development, athlete welfare and long-term athlete support in strengthening social well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak is actively organising major sporting events such as the Borneo Games 2025 which was hosted in Kuching, and the SEA Games 2027, to be co-hosted by Sarawak as part of Malaysia’s national contingent preparations.
Álvarez, a former professional basketball player and coach, outlined Catalonia’s experience in athlete transition and welfare, particularly through structured retirement and post-career development plans that help sports and women prepare for life after active competition.
The Sarawak delegation noted Catalonia’s practices as valuable references for enhancing sports welfare frameworks and long-term athlete support in Sarawak.
In a statement issued recently stated that both sides agreed that Sarawak and Catalonia share similar values and governance structures — each having a degree of autonomy and a strong commitment to development through sports, culture and education.
“Discussions also touched on the potential for future cooperation in sports management, coaching exchanges, facility development and youth engagement through friendly games and training programmes,” the statement read.
Abdul Karim thanked Álvarez and the Catalonian government for their warm reception.
He also added that Sarawak is eager to strengthen ties with regions that share a passion for sports and athlete development.
The engagement formed part of Sarawak’s Official Working Visit to Spain, which also includes cultural and creative industry meetings held in conjunction with the International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress 2025 in Barcelona.
