THE Penang government, through the Penang State Sports Council (PSSC), has initiated an ‘encouragement incentive’ aid under the Penang Athlete Career & Education (PACE) programme to reward state athletes who did well in their SPM and STPM examinations.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said athletes who obtained five As and above in their SPM would receive RM50 for every ‘A’ they achieved.
“Athletes who did well in their STPM will also be receiving the incentive. Those who obtained two As and above will also be receiving RM100 for every ‘A’ they achieved.
“I am happy to announce that 25 state athletes are eligible to receive the SPM ‘encouragement incentive’ aid, while two athletes will be receiving the STPM ‘encouragement incentive’ aid. The total allocation is RM9,550,” he said in his speech before presenting the incentives to the recipients in Komtar today.
He hoped that the aid would encourage the athletes to maintain their excellent performance in sports and education.
Chow also presented the one-off Institute of Higher Learning (IPT) Education Incentives totalling RM17,100 to 20 athletes.
“As for the PSSC Sports Scholarships, 15 more athletes will be receiving the scholarships totalling RM74,800,” he said.
Back in April this year, sports scholarships totalling RM66,100 were awarded to 16 athletes.
Chow hoped that the state athletes would continue to cultivate determination to give their best to the state’s sports industry.
“We believe that with our commitment towards the development and welfare of our athletes, we can boost their spirit to do better,” he said.
He also thanked all parties involved in supporting the PACE programme, including sponsors such as Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd, Hunza Group, UWC Berhad, Dee Noon Corporation, Menara Kerjaya Fasteners, Only World Group Holdings Berhad, Frank Group of Companies, Jin Huo Gold & Jewellery Industries (M) Sdn Bhd and Bold-Pack Industries Sdn Bhd.
Soon said a total of RM101,450 in incentives and scholarships were given out to 62 state athletes at the event.
“Although Penang is still facing the challenges of Covid-19, the state government is actively offering aid to athletes in Penang.
“We hope that the athletes will continue their excellent performances in education and sports,” he said.
Among those present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, State Financial Officer Datuk Dr Mohamad Farazi Johari, Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, and PSSC director Harry Chai.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting