THE education, career and well-being of athletes in Penang remain a priority of the state government, says state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee.
He said the state has always wanted a better future for the athletes.
“We want to inculcate the people’s perception that sports can be a career.
“We are committed to providing and guiding the athletes in whatever way we can when they need any assistance.
“In fact, we have Penang Athletes Career Education (PACE), which is a programme initiated by the state and Penang State Sports Council. It provides assistance and incentives,” he said in his speech when opening the Penang Chess Festival 2022 at St Xavier’s Institution yesterday.
The Penang Chess Festival 2022 is organised by the Penang Chess Association (PCA). It is held for six days, beginning yesterday.
Soon said he was honoured to welcome the international players from abroad. They include Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, India and China.
“I hope every one of you here can gain valuable experience here,” he said.
Soon said he was proud of the performance of the Penang chess team. The state has emerged as overall champion for six years consecutively in the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM).
At the university level, he said the Penang players have emerged as winners in the ASEAN University Games and other tournaments as well.
“There are many notable talents in Penang that we are proud of. They are Sim Jia Ru, Chua Jia-Tien, Tan Jun Ying, Poh Yu Tian, and Yeap Eng Chiam,” said Soon.
PCA, which is the oldest chess association in the country, celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday.
Its president See Swee Sie expressed her gratitude to the state for supporting the event.
“We hope chess can be promoted among the youngsters,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad