KUCHING: Around 882 athletes from all over the state converged for the first Sarawak Games (SukSar) after 27 long years. The launching ceremony for the event was officiated by the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg, who was represented by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at Stadium Perpaduan here yesterday.
“This is a historic day in 27 years as we have finally brought back SukSar,” said Johari in his speech text read by Karim. He revealed the brief history of SukSar that it was last held in the year 1990.
It was also the year that Sarawak hosted the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) and emerged as overall champion. “We brought back SukSar with high hopes that we can produce quality athletes to represent Sarawak and ultimately Malaysia in various international sporting events,” Johari said.
Other than to discover and nurture sporting talents in the state, he also hoped that SukSar would make Sarawak a known powerhouse when it comes to sports. “We also want to attract more international sporting events to be hosted in Sarawak,” he added.
He also hoped to discover athletes from all over the state and not just from the urban areas. Four contingents will take part in SukSar and they comprise the Northern Zone (Limbang, Miri, and Bintulu), Central Zone (Kapit, Sibu, and Mukah), Eastern Zone (Sarikei, Betong, and Sri Aman) and Southern Zone (Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian). SukSar aims to expose the athletes to real competitions as well as to prepare for the upcoming SUKMA. Also present during the event was Assistant Minister of Youth and Spor ts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
