KUCHING: A total of 1,400 athletes are set to camp in Kuching for the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para Sukma), the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
Sarawak Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said all the states and territories have confirmed participation in this year's event, including Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.
The Para Sukma 2024 is scheduled to take place a month after the games, featuring 10 sports to be contested from Sept 20 to 29, exclusively in Kuching.
"The 10 sports at the Para Sukma 2024 will be hosted solely in the Kuching area, including athletics at Sarawak Stadium, swimming at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, badminton at Sarawak Badminton Association Hall BDC, table tennis at SJK Chung Hua, and bowling at Megalanes E-Mart Batu Kawa.
"Additionally, boccia will be held at the Sarawak Basketball Association Hall, lawn bowls at the Petra Jaya Multipurpose Arena, powerlifting at the Youth and Sports Department Multipurpose Hall, archery at Petra Jaya Archery Range, and chess at Raia Hotel," she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Also, the Sarawak contingent is expected to send approximately 240 athletes, who will undergo selection on July 31.
Fatimah also said that there will be three official ceremonies held for Para Sukma 2024.
"The first event is the Para Sukma 2024 Dinner Ceremony at Hikmah Exchange on Sept 2, to be officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"The opening ceremony will take place at the Unity Stadium Petra Jaya on Sept 22, officiated by Governor of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar," she said.
She added that the closing ceremony will be held at the same venue on Sept 28 and will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.