National Sports Day 2022 in Putrajaya drew some 300 disabled participants. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
THE RM12mil allocation under Budget 2023 – a 20% increase – will boost efforts to nurture paralympic athletes.
The funds will be used for talent scouting, health assessment and sports matching programmes.
Malaysia Paralympic Council (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin (pic) said it had 27 associations under it.
“We help identify talents at school, community and district levels,” he noted.
PCM was formed in 1989 and is supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry as well as the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
Megat said the government must ensure that the funds reach their intended recipients.
“Associations under our council often face financial constraints in carrying out their activities.
“Paralympic athletes have brought home medals, so they deserve recognition,” he added.
On Oct 9, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz announced the RM12mil allocation under Budget 2023.
He said the allocation was in recognition of the performance of these athletes and expressed hope that they would continue to excel at international events.
Megat was met after the National Sports Day2022 event at Menara KBS in Putrajaya that saw some 300 disabled participants taking part.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Participants took part in sepak takraw, bastketball, silat for children, futsal, fun run and esports, among others.
Ahmad Faizal said the government had allocated RM10mil under Budget 2023 to organise a similar event next year. — By FARID WAHAB
