Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister has placed a strong emphasis on discovering new para sports talents. The ministry is actively engaging in initiatives to identify promising athletes with disabilities, with the aim of nurturing their skills and promoting inclusivity in sports. This commitment underscores Malaysia’s dedication to fostering talent and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to excel in the world of para sports.
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In a recent statement, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, acknowledged the challenges in identifying new talent in para sports. Despite recent concerns over funding disparities between mainstream sports and para athletes, she emphasized that the real concern lay in finding potential para athletes. Yeoh stressed the importance of expanding talent search efforts and promoting opportunities for children and young individuals with disabilities to participate in sports.
Yeoh highlighted the smaller talent pool in para sports and expressed the need for increased promotional activities to encourage disabled youth to explore their athletic potential. She announced plans to intensify training programs to enable these individuals to represent Malaysia in para sports. Furthermore, an additional RM2 million has been allocated in the Budget for 2024 to empower the para athlete ecosystem and provide enhanced support.
This announcement came during a press conference at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil, following a prize-presentation ceremony hosted by Huawei for Malaysia’s medal winners at the Para Asiad in Hangzhou.
Meanwhile, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) President, Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin, stated that the council would collaborate with the Kuala Lumpur Education Department to enhance talent search initiatives.
Additionally, five more para sports, including goalball, sitting volleyball, cycling, swimming, and boccia, have been proposed for inclusion in special education schools. In partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (MKBOKU) and the Education Ministry, a special education sports school in Bandar Baru Enstek, Sepang, is expected to be completed by 2025.
This initiative aims to provide a dedicated sports education facility for individuals with disabilities, contributing to the overall growth and development of para sports in Malaysia.
The government’s commitment to expanding para sports opportunities and support signifies a significant step toward greater inclusivity and empowerment within the sports sector.