2017 SEA Games mascot, theme launched

KUALA LUMPUR: Let’s roar like the tiger!

A cool and eye-catching “Rimau” has been chosen as Malaysia’s mascot for the 2017 SEA Games.

And Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin wants the Malaysian contingent to roar the loudest during the biennial Games in 2017.

Khairy unveiled the mascot, logo, theme and volunteer programme at the Esplanade in Suria KLCC on Saturday.

“‘Rimau’ will embody the spirit of the Games. It’s a graceful and powerful Malayan Tiger. He is gracious, friendly, competitive and athletic. He depicts the quality of a true athlete,” said Khairy, who added that they would enlist 20,000 volunteers to ensure the success of the Games.

“Volunteers are the backbone of every successful multi-sport event. The volunteer recruitment programme will be primarily driven on digital media to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of age and geographical location.”

Rimau, the 2017 SEA Games mascot

Volunteers will be able to sign up via the Games website at www.seagames2017.com.my.

The theme for the Games is “Rising Together” and Khairy hopes that the Games will not only be a platform to outdo one another in sports, but would also signify the coming of age of South-East Asia as a community.

“The greatest value of sports is not only to celebrate our achievements and commitment towards sportsmanship, but also to uplift and inspire people of the entire region,” he said.

“The region has come a long way and it’s a time for us to come together to write the next chapter in our collective journey of peace, progress and prosperity.”

The logo of the SEA Games is abstract and unique and is sketched based on Malaysia’s popular symbol – the Wau Bulan, a type of moon-kite that is popular with the east coast states in the country.

It was selected after a nation-wide logo competition, which saw 174 entries.

Malaysia are aiming to become the overall champions for the first time since the 2001 SEA Games – and also be the best host ever.