SPORTS can strengthen the relationship among the races, regardless of one’s religious belief, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said sports is a unique element that can unite the society.
“Whether we realised it or not, sports has long been the most successful agent of unity in uniting the people in the country.
“Sports is not only to be enjoyed and celebrated but it works beyond that. Sports is an agent of unity.
“Through sports, we can set aside our differences and work together to achieve our goals.
“We can also shape the society, especially by encouraging the younger generation to be active in sports for a healthy lifestyle,” Chow said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Maba-Matrix Cup basketball tournament at the White Resort Camp in Balik Pulau today.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua and Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba) president Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock.
Chow added that the state government encourages and supports any type of activities related to sports and youth, including providing related facilities and amenities.
“Supporting sports development is crucial as it can contribute towards improving the quality of physical and mental health, unity and well-being of the people,” he said.
Speaking about the programme, Chow congratulated Maba for organising the competition and hoped that such a programme would be continued in the future.
“This is a good initiative by the organiser,” he said.
The Maba-Matrix Cup basketball tournament which started on June 4 concluded today with Negeri Sembilan emerging as the champions with Sabah finishing second, Putrajaya third and Penang fourth.
The top three winners took home RM5,000, RM2,500 and RM1,000 cash prizes respectively, including trophies and medals.
Chow congratulated all the participating teams and the winners.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Darwina Mohd Daud