KUCHING: In a promising move towards global collaboration, PESRON Sarawak has established a significant connection with a Paralympic sport association in Brandenburg, Germany - an initiative made possible with the support of the German Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

This international tie-up is set to open new doors for Sarawak’s para sports scene, signalling a bold step forward in raising the bar for para-athlete development.

The landmark connection comes at a time when Sarawak is already riding high on its para sports success.

At the 21st Para SUKMA Games 2024, held in Kuching from 22 to 28 September, the host state was crowned overall champions for the 14th time—amassing a resounding 82 gold, 53 silver, and 74 bronze medals.

Building on that momentum, PESRON Sarawak - the umbrella body for all para sports associations in the state - is moving swiftly to ensure that Sarawak’s para-athletes and their coaches benefit from international expertise and exposure.

The link with Germany is expected to bring valuable insights in training methodology, athlete management, and performance enhancement, with long-term plans to boost Sarawak’s presence on the global para sports stage.

“This connection with our German counterparts is not just symbolic, it’s strategic,” said a spokesperson from PESRON. “We want to give our athletes every opportunity to succeed beyond Malaysian borders. To do that, we need to learn from the best, collaborate widely, and adapt modern practices to suit our unique needs.”

With the strong backing of the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Development, alongside the Sarawak Welfare Department, PESRON is spearheading efforts to transform Sarawak into a hub for elite para sports talent.

The state already boasts several internationally recognised athletes such as Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting), Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli (swimming), Angeline Melissa Lawas (Boccia), Gloria Gracia Wong (table tennis), Wiro Juki (archery) and Ashley Irenaeus Jeck (badminton), each of whom has proudly flown the Sarawak and Malaysian flags on global podiums.

However, PESRON believes that the next generation is waiting in the wings and that with enhanced training and international collaboration, many more names will join the ranks of these para-sport icons.

Among the standout performers at the Para SUKMA was the Sarawak Para-Athletic Team, which bagged an impressive 33 gold, 24 silver, and 37 bronze medals.

The team, known for its consistency, has long been one of the top three para-athletics squads in Malaysia.

Their form has continued into 2025, with a dominant showing at the Allianz-MSN-POPM Para Athletics Borneo Circuit, where they took home 53 gold, 36 silver, and 15 bronze medals.

Next, the squad heads to the National Para-Athletics Championship in Kuantan, Pahang, from 26 to 29 June 2025.

With 26 athletes and 13 officials in tow, Sarawak will be vying for top honours and for national selection to the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, scheduled for January 2026.

As Sarawak continues to lead the charge in Malaysian para sports, its latest collaboration with Germany signals more than just a handshake across continents, it is a confident stride towards international excellence, powered by vision, dedication and the unshakable spirit of its para-athletes. -UKASnews