PREPARATION for the 2017 Malaysia Sea Games continues to pick up with the logo, mascot, theme and volunteer programme for the biennial event launched in Kuala Lumpur today.
‘Rising together’ is the theme for the multi-sport event, a phrase which Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin believes encapsulates the essence of the Games. It will be the sixth time Malaysia will be hosting the event after previously organising it in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989 and 2001.
“The region has come a long way in making its mark on the global stage and this is a time for us to come together to write the next chapter in our collective journey of peace, progress, and prosperity,” said Khairy, after officiating the launch at Suria KLCC.
“With Kuala Lumpur 2017 being the first Sea Games after the formation of the Asean Community, sports will play a big role in bringing all the citizens of Southeast Asia together in celebrating our achievements and commitment towards sportsmanship, as well as uplifting and inspiring the entire region.
“That is the greatest value of sports, and how we can invoke them through the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games 2017.”
The games logo has been based on a Wau Bulan, a crescent-shaped kite traditionally popular in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The combination of stripes and colours were collated from the flags of all the Southeast Asian countries to create the Kuala Lumpur 2017 identity.
It was selected via a nationwide competition which saw 174 designs submitted. The games mascot, dubbed ‘Rimau’, is a Malayan Tiger.
The volunteer recruitment programme, which is targeting 20,000 people, will be driven by digital media to make it accessible to everyone regardless of age and geographical location.
Volunteers will be able to sign up through the Games website at www.seagames2017.com.my.
KLCC was also named as a strategic partner, with several sporting disciplines slated to be held there during the Games.