THE Para Sukma (Malaysia Games) is going on with 10 sports contested in the Klang Valley area and these special group of athletes have been going around dishing out performances to the best of their abilities for all to see.
They may be physically disabled or not as intellectually capable as normal people but there is no mistaking the determination and the competitive streak in t hem.
In fact, it is an enjoyable experience dealing with the humility and patience they showed after coming out as winners.
The publicity and attention they enjoy may still not be as forthcoming as those who perform well in the able bodied sports but one can surely hope this perc–eption will be changed eventually.
A new government will be formed later this month and lets pray and hope that the incoming administration will not neglect the para sports community.
In fact, Malaysia have enjoyed more success at the Paralympics compared to the Olympics, thanks to a strong support system from the National Sports Council and the government.
Malaysia already celebrated golden success in the last two Paralympics while we are still hoping and praying to see our first gold medal winner at the Olympics for the last 66 years.
Yes, Malaysia first participated at the Olympics in 1956 in Melbourne but we only began sending our representatives to Paralympics in Munich in 1972.
Since then, Malaysia already won six golds, four silvers and six bronzes at the Paralympics while the current count at the Olympic stage is eight silvers and five bronzes.
Powerlifting and badminton contributed gold for the first time in the Tokyo Paralympic edition alongside athletics.
It is their achievements at the highest level that will inspire more youngsters to follow in the footsteps of powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, shuttler Cheah Liek Hou and long jumper Abdul Latif Romly.
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