PENANG Sukma cyclists received a token of love from RK South Asia Sdn Bhd, a local company, to help them with their preparation for the next Sukma to be held in Sarawak next year.
The company has sponsored a total of five bicycles to the Penang Cycling Association to be used by the athletes.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee appreciated the support given by the RK South Asia to develop the standard of sports in Penang together with the state government.
“Developing sports sector requires a high allocation. Therefore, the state government welcomes any help or support from any party, for instance, the private sector.
“At last year’s Sukma, Penang cyclist Nurul Aliana Syafika won three silver medals, namely in the Women’s Sprint, Women’s Time Trial (500m), and Women’s Keirin events,” Soon said during the bicycle handover ceremony yesterday.
Soon shared that before the 20th Sukma, Penang last won a medal in cycling 16 years ago.
“In fact, this achievement was achieved by our Penang Sukma cyclists after 16 years.
“So, I believe that our cyclists will be able to benefit from the bicycles contributed by RK South Asia and inspire them to win more medals as well as bring glory to the state,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, RK South Asia Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Lee Thian Chai said that all the bicycles sponsored by the company are the ‘Battle Surmo-Co’ model, which is light and fast.
“These bicycles are suitable to be used at any competition and they also meet the standards of European bicycles.
“RK South Asia Sdn Bhd has also supported the development of sports in our country through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes,” Lee said.
Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua said there is a need to replace some of the sports equipment from time to time to ensure their quality is in line with technological development.
Also present at the ceremony was Penang Cycling Association secretary Munir Mohamed Ismail.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of YB Soon’s office
