AS the first-time Chef de Mission (CDM) of the Penang Para SUKMA contingent, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng’s mission was to encourage her athletes to perform their best.
However, instead of only inspiring them, she found herself learning valuable lessons from their courage, perseverance and determination.
Penang sent a 146-member contingent, comprising 92 athletes and 54 officials, to compete in 10 events at the Para Sukma 2026 held in Selangor from Sept 5 to 10.
Writing on her Facebook page, Tan said she had the opportunity to follow the athletes’ journeys in athletics, swimming, chess, table tennis, boccia, lawn bowls, powerlifting, archery, tenpin bowling and badminton throughout the Games.
“I came to give them encouragement and motivation. But in the end, I learned so much from them,” she wrote.
“I saw how they fought to bring honour to Penang. Despite facing various challenges and constraints, including floods, their spirit and determination never wavered.
“Some have lost their sight completely, while others have mobility limitations, but they never gave up and continued to fight and give their best.”
Tan said what touched her heart most was not just what happened on the competition field, but also the journey behind every athlete.
She said she witnessed the dedication of coaches, assistants and officials who devoted their time, energy and patience to help the athletes continue improving.
She also saw parents and family members standing firmly by the athletes’ side — pushing wheelchairs, assisting with daily needs, accompanying and encouraging them throughout their journey.
“Spectators may only see a few minutes of their competition, but behind those few minutes are months and even years of training, sacrifice, disappointment, pain and the effort to rise again,” she said.
“For me, Para Sukma is not just about who wins or loses.
“I see courage. I see love. I see sacrifice. And I see people who choose to keep fighting even when their journey is not easy.”
Tan said her first experience as CDM had given her a deeper understanding of the ecosystem supporting the development of para athletes.
“I’m increasingly understanding that behind every athlete’s development, there is a large ecosystem — MSN (Penang State Sports Council), coaches, associations, officials, assistants, family members and many more working behind the scenes.”
Tan said she felt emotional whenever she heard an athlete say, “Sorry, I didn’t get a medal.”
“They did not have to apologise. They face difficulties in life, yet they choose to keep moving forward.”
Penang finished ninth overall at the Para Sukma 2026 after winning 37 medals, comprising seven gold, 16 silver and 14 bronze.
Tan congratulated the medal winners while encouraging those who did not make the podium to continue working hard and return stronger.
“Medals are important, but an athlete’s value — a person’s value — should never be defined by just one medal.
“More importantly, we need to have a goal, the courage to keep trying, the discipline to keep improving, and the strength to rise again after every setback.
“Winning or losing is only a result. As long as you are willing to get back up and continue fighting, you have not lost.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of YB Connie Tan’s Seri Delima Service Centre