KUCHING: 1,500 volunteers have been recruited to ensure the success of the 21st Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI) Sarawak 2024. 

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development who is also Chef De Mission of the Sarawak Para SUKMA Contingent, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the volunteers are comprised mainly of youth, including university and school students.

“They have been trained to manage disabled individuals who often require assistance like wheelchairs and other aids.

“It will be not only an experience for them but also their contribution to our country, particularly the Sarawak government itself, in ensuring the success of this Para SUKMA,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after an interview session with TV Sarawak (TVS) at its studio here, on Thursday.

The Para SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 will be held a month after SUKMA, from September 21 to 28.

According to Datuk Mohammad Razi, the Para SUKMA this time will feature 334 events from 10 sports, with Sarawak aiming to win 83 gold medals in this year’s championship.

He also expressed his hope that no event will be cancelled as happened in the previous championship when Sarawak lost to Sabah by a margin of 5 gold medals, resulting in Sarawak finishing in second place.

“Some events were canceled even though our athletes had arrived and trained for months with enthusiasm, and in the end, the events could not continue. 

“So this time, it has been decided by the highest authorities that all events only require at least two states with four athletes to proceed.

“Hopefully, it can be achieved as we planned, and our hope is that these athletes will seize the opportunity with Sarawak hosting the event to achieve their target,” he said.

Therefore, Datuk Mohammad Razi urged Sarawakians to come together and attend all events in Kuching and show support for the state’s Para SUKMA athletes. -UKASnews