Leong Yao Wen, 21, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, won First Place in the Xiang Qi even though he had to play the game lying down.
A “GAME-CHANGING” allocation of RM20mil from Budget 2024 will be channelled to each state to organise Rakan Muda programmes promoting healthy living.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said this during the opening ceremony of Milad Sports Carnival for the Disabled at the SS3 Multipurpose Hall in Petaling Jaya, which attracted more than 200 individuals with disabilities, their families and volunteers.
Yeoh said the tax exemption announced for sports equipment and training would encourage a change in lifestyle.
A wheelchair game among the activities offered by the sports carnival.
“This is good news for parents who encourage their children to be active.
“I believe the sports industry will benefit from the remuneration for training children.
“When children are active in sports, they will continue this lifestyle as they grow older.”
She added that the ministry would engage in stakeholder consultations to execute the other initiatives announced in the new budget, including support for para-athletes and the Road To Gold programme.
Yeoh said, “Many programmes that we already launched, including swimming classes for B40 children, sports for senior citizens, and camping, will continue and be improved next year.
“We are planning to organise more outdoor activities.”
The Milad Sports Carnival for the Disabled is an annual event aimed at promoting unity and inclusivity.
It was organised by Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (Milad), with support from Boccia Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Xiang Qi Association and Chess Association for Disabled Negeri Sembilan.
Milad chairman Pastor Sia Siew Chin said, “One of the core objectives of this event is to provide an opportunity for disabled individuals to be active in sports.”
The opening was attended by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, Lion-Parkson Foundation trustee Chow Mun Seong, SS2 Cares president Datuk Koh Kah Lim, SJK (C) Tun Tan Cheng Lock deputy chairman Datin Rasalind, Chess Association For Disabled Negeri Sembilan president Abdul Rauf Deraman, and Kuala Lumpur Xiang Qi Association deputy president Tan Koong Hean.
