The State Government is set to launch the Sabah Sports Welfare Fund for sportsmen and sportswomen this year to safeguard their welfare while producing more high-performance athletes in the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor said this at the Sabah State Sports Awards 2023-2024 ceremony at Magellan Sutera, Friday night.
He said the Welfare Fund is currently in the planning stages by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Creative Economy.
“The Welfare Fund will also provide medical assistance and equipment support for former Sabah national and State athletes who are ill, injured or in need of further assistance, in addition to the aid provided by the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb).
“This initiative marked another recognition by the State Government to the athletes’ contributions and aims to ease the financial burden of those who have sacrificed greatly to bring honour to Sabah and Malaysia at the national and international levels,” he said.
He also said a total of RM98.06 million has been allocated to the Youth, Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry (MySpace) this year as a commitment to develop the State’s youth and sports sector.
“Of the total amount, RM16.75 million is specifically allocated for youth human capital development and grants to youth associations, while RM27.21 million is for the development of sports.”
“The government consistently provides the highest level of encouragement to athletes to succeed, and as part of these efforts, I had personally increased the incentive for athletes at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak, from RM5,000 to RM10,000 for a gold medal, as well as for other medals won, to further boost the fighting spirit of competing athletes.
“I always keep track of the progress of our State’s athletes. I see many achievements and improvements that are not only commendable at the Sabah Games, Malaysia Games, Malaysia Para Games and the Deaf Games, but also at the international and world levels.”
He emphasised the importance of academic achievement for young athletes in the State. As sports continue to play a pivotal role in fostering discipline, it’s essential for aspiring athletes to remember that their education is equally significant.
“The government wants Sabah athletes not only to succeed in sports but also to possess strong intellect, education, and creativity. Thus, the development of sports and academic excellence must be balanced,” he stressed.
He also congratulated the award recipients and hoped that the success would serve as a starting point for all to continue moving forward and achieving greater achievements in the future.
