Sabah allocates RM3.1 million to 55 associations for athlete development programmes

 By Olivia Miwil - March 20, 2024 @ 10:15am

Sabah Youth and Sports minister Datuk Ellron Angin presented an annual grant mock cheque to one of the associations at Sabah International Convention Centre here last night. - NSTP/Olivia Miwil.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government has allocated RM3.106 million to 55 associations for athlete development programmes.

State Sports and Youth minister Datuk Ellron Angin said associations under state Sports Council could apply and withdraw the annual grants to join programmes.

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"I urge all associations to plan, research, and execute their programs with full commitment and integrity. I want the expenditure made to be returned to this ministry in the form of accurate reports and data that can be used to further enhance the quality of sports in this state.

"In this modern era, data has become a crucial medium for us to amalgamate all expertise to elevate the status of sports in Sabah and Malaysia. Accurate data enables us to measure the capabilities of our athletes with precision.

"Through this data, we can also outline our goals or targets for our competing athletes," he said during the grants and incentives presentation at Sabah International Convention Centre here last night.

As for incentives worth RM573,300, it is divided into two achievements: national and international victory incentives, totaling RM422,850 for 'able' sports, and victory incentives for para-athlete achievements totaling RM150,450.

Describing the amount as substantial, Ellron said it is highly justified to continually attract the interest and participation of young Sabahans, aligning with the efforts of the government to produce world-class athletes.

"At the same time, the government hopes that the participation of young people in sports will also build a better quality and healthier life for them.

"This is because sports can build strong character traits in young people including discipline, fighting spirit, teamwork, skills, and patriotic spirit towards the country," he said.

Ellron said that the state is aiming for 40 gold medals in 36 sports during upcoming SUKMA games.

The final selection out of 1,152 athletes would be made by July.

As for the sports facility, he said there had not been any complaint from the athletes as some of them are not using them.

"The problem exists. Sports facilities deteriorate over time, and we take note of that. With the available finances, we will try to be better in this arena."