Story by Amanda Khong
TWO national paralympic athletes under the Penang Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association (Pesron) who did the state proud at the recently concluded Para Asean Games 2016 in Singapore were given incentives by the Penang state government.
State exco member for Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Chong Eng was present at the Penang State Sports Victory Scheme (Skimas) ceremony on Jan 19 at Komtar.
Also present was Frederick Tan, director of Penang Sports Council, and representatives from Pesron.
“It is good to see that these athletes with disabilities are overcoming their weaknesses and showing us their strength instead. This provides hope to the parents of children with disabilities,” said Chong Eng.
Swimmer Yoong Chung Wei, who won two golds and six silvers, received RM2,000 whereas tenpin bowling athlete Muhamad Hairul Miran who won a gold, silver and bronze received RM333.
“This is my personal best achievement in my 10 years of swimming. I would like to encourage young handicapped children to take up sports as well. I will even personally help if it is swimming,” said Yoong happily.
Yoong also set a new Para Asean Games record in the Men’s 200 Individual Medley event where he clocked in 2:41:70 to win the gold medal.
Muhammad Hairul lost his sight during an accident involving chemicals in 2002 whereas Yoong is autistic from young and has a learning disorder.
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