THE Penang government remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the development of sports across the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this includes continuous efforts to introduce programmes aimed at discovering, nurturing, and training new local talents.
“Our goal is to ensure that Penang-born athletes shine not only at the state and national levels but also on the international stage, without having to overly rely on imported talent.
“Through progressive policies such as the Youth Development Fund, under the purview of the Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the state government approved a total of RM93,500 in funding for 30 youth organisations in 2024.
“For this year, an allocation of RM77,300 has already been approved for 41 youth organisations across the state.
“As chief minister, I firmly believe that the care and investment we place in youth and sports development today will shape the success of both our state and our nation in the years to come,” Chow said in his speech when he officiated the closing ceremony of the Padang Kota Youth Bowling Competition 2025 at Penang Bowl in Farquhar Street today.
He also expressed his heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Padang Kota Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) for successfully organising the Padang Kota Youth Bowling Competition 2025 for the second consecutive year.
Chow noted that this initiative is a testament to the strong commitment of the youth in this area to fostering healthy, inclusive, and impactful activities.
“Indeed, programmes such as this not only encourage active youth participation in sports but also help to strengthen values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and unity within the community.
“It further proves that our youth possess great potential — not only intellectually, but also physically, mentally, and in their capacity to lead,” he said.
Chow also hopes to see more community-level sports events being organised in the state in collaboration with various stakeholders.
“This is important as such efforts can play a pivotal role in promoting public participation in healthy activities while simultaneously uncovering and nurturing hidden young talents across Penang,” he said.
Also present were Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee, Batu Kawan parliamentary and Padang Kota state constituency service centres director Ewe Chee Way, JBPP Padang Kota chairman Teh Wei Huai and Padang Kota Youth Bowling Competition 2025 organising chairman Ooi Ai Wei.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian