KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's commitment to youth and sports development can be seen clearly in the over RM100mil allocated for next year, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said the allocation totalling RM101.49mil to the state Youth and Sports Ministry will go towards the management and implementation of various youth and sports development programmes.
He said the state government had also allocated RM12.24mil to upgrade the Likas Stadium facilities, including the running track where the 16th South-East Asian (SEA) Youth Athletics Championship is being held.
“This is an ongoing process for all sports facilities throughout the state so that they remain conducive, safe and comfortable for athletes and the public's use,” he said in his speech at he championship's opening ceremony here on Thursday (Nov 28) night.
His speech was read out by state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.
The Chief Minister said Sabah was honoured to host such a major sporting event that boosts athletic standards and promotes friendship among participating nations.
More than 500 athletes are taking part representing 11 countries, namely Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, and host country Malaysia.
“We will all benefit from this sporting event. For our Malaysian team, it is an opportunity to compete against the best from the region.
“We certainly wish to see our athletes moving on to represent Malaysia at higher levels and other prestigious championships,” he said.
