KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is committed to youth and sports development as seen in the state’s allocation of more than RM100mil next year, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said the RM101.49mil total allocation to the state Youth and Sports Ministry will go towards the management and implementation of various youth and sports programmes.
He said the state government has also allocated RM12.24mil to upgrade the facilities at Likas Stadium, including the running tracks 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 the facilities remain conducive, safe and comfortable for athletes and the public,” he said in his speech delivered by state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin during the championship’s opening ceremony at Likas Stadium here on Thursday night.
The Chief Minister said Sabah is honoured to host the games, a major sporting event that goes a long way towards boosting athletic standards and promoting friendship between participants of competing nations.
Welcoming the more than 500-strong athletes representing 11 countries, namely Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Myanmar and host Malaysia, Hajiji said their presence here adds to the significance and excitement of this championship.
