TWENTY-SIX gold, 20 silver and 44 bronze medals are the targets of the Penang contingent in the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games) this year.
A total of 488 state athletes will be competing in the Sukma which will be held officially held from Sept 16 to 24.
Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee reminded the sportsmen and sportswomen to carry the five ’K’ and three ‘S’ in their pockets and bring them to Sukma.
“The five ‘K’ are keinginan (desire), ketabahan (perseverance), keyakinan (confidence), kekuatan (strength) and kejayaan (success).
“Meanwhile, the three ‘S’ are semangat kesukanan (sportsmanship), sehaluan dalam matlamat (aligned in goals) and setia kepada negeri kita (loyal to our state).
“Carry these principles with you at all times. It is time to give your best and prove that Penang is indeed a state that can produce champions among the champions,” he said in his speech during a flag-handover ceremony at White Resort Camp in Balik Pulau today.
Soon said there are 426 medals from 31 types of sports to be contested in Klang Valley.
“Our target of 26 gold, 20 silver and 44 bronze medals is realistic.
“A total of 761 people from the Penang contingent will be involved in the 20th Sukma,” he said.
Soon was appointed as the chef de mission (CDM) to lead the Penang contingent to the 20th Sukma.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was delighted to note the initiatives and efforts taken, including the ‘Sukma Final Phase Camp’ which was held since last Saturday at White Resort Camp in Balik Pulau.
“Remember to preserve and uphold the spirit and good name of the state when competing in the Malaysia Games. Let our flag be flown with pride.
“To heighten the fighting spirit of our athletes, the Penang government is committed to providing the winning incentives under the Penang State Sports Incentive Scheme (Skimas),” he said.
The winning incentives under Skimas are as follows:
Individual sports events:
RM4,000 for winning the gold medal
RM2,500 for winning the silver medal
RM1,500 for winning the bronze medal
Mixed events:
RM2,000 per person for winning the gold medal
RM1,250 per person for winning the silver medal
RM750 per person for winning the bronze medal
Team events of five people and below:
RM1,200 per person for winning the gold medal
RM900 per person for winning the silver medal
RM700 per person for winning the bronze medal
Team events of six people and above:
RM700 per person for winning the gold medal
RM500 per person for winning the silver medal
RM300 per person for winning the bronze medal
Chow said that the athlete who managed to set a national record will also take home an RM1,000 incentive under Skimas; while RM500 will be given to the athlete who sets a Sukma record.
“We hope that the incentives will encourage our Penang athletes to do their best and achieve the state’s goals!
“Continue to make Penang proud!” Chow said.
Later, Chow, Soon, Penang Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, State Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, state assemblymen A. Kumaresan, Joseph Ng, Lim Siew Khim and Mohd Tuah Ismail, Penang Deputy Secretary (management) Datuk Ahmad Rizal Mohd Hanapiah, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai and MSNPP (management committee) deputy chairman II Cheah Ban Cheng celebrated with the athletes and took memorable photos together.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
