THE Penang government has allocated a total of RM325,100 as incentives for the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games) Penang medallists, coaches and sports associations.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in congratulating the winners, said the incentives were signs of commitment by the state to the development of Penang athletes and sports.
“The incentive rates for each athlete, coach, and sports association are as stipulated in the Penang Sports Victory Incentive Scheme Guideline.
“I am also happy to announce the presentation of the Penang State Sports Incentive Scheme (Skimas) to two outstanding individuals – national snooker players from Penang, Moh Keen Hoo and Lim Kok Leong,” Chow said.
Moh and Lim clinched the World Amateur Team Snooker Championship 2022 title on Oct 9 this year.
The Penang government awarded RM12,000 each to Moh and Lim for their remarkable success.
Chow also thanked Penang Forward Sports Club advisor Tom Khoo for sponsoring two motorcycles for the lucky draw event this evening.
Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai gave an inspiring and fiery speech, congratulating the athletes for their success at the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games).
“Give yourself a big clap and another to your teammates, friends, coaches, parents, and teachers for supporting you throughout your journey to success.
“Our athletes have managed to put up a brave fight against athletes from other states and we are very proud of all of you.
“We will come back stronger the next time!” he said in his speech, receiving thunderous applause from the guests during the incentive presentation ceremony for the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games) athletes at St Giles The Wembley Hotel this evening.
Penang finished in the seventh spot in the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games) after two weeks of competition, winning a total of 30 gold, 28 silver, and 42 bronze medals.
Chai also thanked all the sponsors for their strong support.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said he was proud of the Penang athletes and medallists.
“As the 20th Sukma (Malaysia Games) Penang team chef de mission, I am very proud to witness your sporting spirit, competitive effort, dedication and commitment to making Penang proud.
“We have managed to ‘revive’ a few sports by earning medals in those sports which we have not won for a very long time.
“Among them are beach volleyball, soccer, rhythmic gymnastics (gimrama), cycling and shooting,” he said.
Soon also revealed that 26 of the medallists were recipients of the Penang Athletes Career and Education (PACE) programme, while six were ‘junior coaches’ under the Penang Junior Coaches programme.
“This shows that our investment in the development of our state athletes is bearing fruit,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian