Photo and information courtesy of Sabah Information Department
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Sports Practitioners Welfare Fund will be launched this year to safeguard the welfare of the state’s athletes and sports community.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the fund will provide medical assistance and equipment support to former national and Sabah athletes who are ill, injured or in need of additional help.
The initiative is currently being planned by the Sabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy (KBSK).
“This Welfare Fund will also complement the existing assistance provided by the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB), while serving as recognition by the state government for the services and sacrifices of athletes who have brought honour to Sabah and Malaysia at the national and international levels,” he said when speaking at the Sabah State Sports Awards 2023–2024 ceremony here on Friday (Feb 6).
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the state government has allocated RM98.06 million to KBSK this year as part of its continued commitment to developing the youth and sports sector in Sabah.
“Of the total amount, RM16.75 million is allocated for youth human capital development and grants to youth associations, while RM27.21 million is for the development and advancement of state sports.
“This allocation reflects the government’s seriousness in making youth an important asset and the future leadership of Sabah, in line with efforts to produce more high-performance athletes,” he added.
He said the gold medal incentive has been increased from RM5,000 to RM10,000, along with higher incentives for other medals to encourage athletes to continue striving and excelling.
He also advised young athletes not to neglect academic achievement despite being active in sports, as sports development and education must progress hand in hand.
“The government wants Sabah athletes to succeed not only in sports, but also to possess strong education, intellect and creativity,” he said.
At the ceremony, Hajiji also presented the Sabah State Sports Leadership Award to Spencer Soo Kok Heng, representing deaf sports; the Sabah State Para Sportswoman Award to Brenda Anellia Larry for para swimming; and the Sabah State Para Sportsman Award to Eddy Bernard for para athletics.
Also present were Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr. Safar Untong; KBSK Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan; and KBSK Assistant Minister Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu.
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