THE Penang government is always committed to providing the best sports facilities, especially for the youth in the state.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said this is proven by various projects that have been implemented over the years to build and upgrade sports facilities in Penang.
“For the past five years, the state government has built a total of 42 sports facilities and upgraded a total of 50 sports facilities on the island and mainland.
“Every year, we will allocate a total of RM1.5 million for sports development.
“My team and I also have always gone to the ground to engage with the local community, especially the youth to know more about sports facilities that they want in their area.
“After all, we want them to spend their time taking part in healthy activities.
“That is why we need to prepare the best sports facilities for them,” Soon told reporters after officiating the Under-17 volleyball tournament at Taman Dahlia in Butterworth.
Also present was Bagan Jermal Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) chairman Cheah Boon Leong.
Soon also encouraged other sports associations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to organise various sports competitions in the state to unearth more talent among the youth.
“At the same time, I also hope more schools will send their students to join any sports programme and activity for exposure at an early age,” he said.
Speaking about the programme, Soon said the volleyball tournament was organised by the Bagan Jermal JBPP.
The two-day tournament, starting today until tomorrow, has drawn 16 teams from various secondary schools.
Soon said he hoped the volleyball competition could be a platform to unearth new talent and also promote interest in sports among the young.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad