KUCHING (Sept 29): Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh praised Malaysia’s Para athletes and called for continued support and inclusion in sports, emphasizing the growing interest in their achievements, especially at international events. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 21st Malaysia Para Games (Para Sukma XXI) at Stadium Perpaduan, Kuching, she highlighted the importance of celebrating and promoting Para sports in Malaysia.
Yeoh shared her optimism about the rising interest in Para athletes, pointing out that her own Facebook video of Sarawakian para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin’s gold medal win had garnered 3 million views, the highest of all her sports videos.
The minister urged families with special needs children to encourage their involvement in sports, emphasizing the unifying power of sports across races and cultures.
“I hope that future Para Sukma events will continue this legacy and move towards greater inclusion. I am also hopeful that no sports will be excluded in future editions, allowing all Para athletes to compete,” she said, noting the reforms introduced by Para Sukma Sarawak.
Yeoh concluded by applauding Sarawak’s efforts in setting a new benchmark for hosting Para Sukma and hinted at her love for the official Sukma song, hoping it would be reused in future events.
