THE Penang government has always encouraged the community to engage in sports and recreational activities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a united and healthy community would create a society that not only focuses on a developed but also a smart state.
He said the initiative was in line with the Penang2030 vision to inspire the nation to work towards a greater achievement in sports.
Over the past years, Chow pointed out that the state had been the badminton powerhouse.
He said many world class champions like Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Datuk Eddie Choong were produced.
“We are able to show the people that we can be successful despite being made up of a heterogeneous society.
“It is important for us to nurture the younger generation,” he said in his speech before opening the ‘Padang Kota Red One Badminton Cup 2019’ at Relau Sport Complex today.
Joining in the opening ceremony was state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee.
Chow and Soon also showcased their badminton skills at the event.
The tournament is a three-day event from today until July 7, featuring 32 teams from Indonesia, Philipines and Malaysia.
The semi-final and final will take place at the Chinese Recreation Club badminton hall in Jalan Padang Victoria this Sunday.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix & video by Law Suun Ting