Kota Kinabalu: State sports association through the Sabah Sports Council (MSN), received the 2023 winning incentive amounting to RM573,000 from the State Government.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the incentives were divided into two categories: able sports and para-athletes.
“The handing over of incentives involves a total of RM573,300, divided into two categories: national and international winning incentives. This includes RM422,850 for able sports and RM150,450 for para-athletes’ achievements,” he said.
Ellron said the winning incentives are substantial but worthwhile, as they serve to stimulate the interest and participation of young people, aligning with the government’s efforts through the Sabah Youth and Sports Ministry to cultivate world-class athletes.
“The government hopes that young people’s participation in sports will not only lead to better quality and healthier lives but also foster strong personalities characterised by discipline, fighting spirit, cooperation, skills, and patriotism towards the country,” he said during the State Sports Association Grant Handover and 2023 Sports Winners Incentive Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday.
Ellron also handed over an annual grant totalling RM3,106,000 to State sports associations, aiming to facilitate the implementation of athlete development programmes efficiently and excellently.
“As Minister, I hope that the associations will utilise this financial assistance to implement the athlete development programme efficiently and responsibly, avoiding any wastage of the allocated funds.
“It’s essential to remember that this money belongs to the people and is therefore incredibly valuable,” he said.
Therefore, Ellron urges all associations to plan, research, and implement their respective programmes with full commitment and integrity.
“It is crucial that the expenses incurred are accounted for and returned to the ministry through authentic reports and data. This information can then be utilised to further enhance the quality of sports in our State.
“We will utilise this data as a benchmark or target for our competing athletes. The integration of technology and sports science through data assessment has proven to be effective.
“Let us not fall behind this modern trend, which leverages scientific expertise to enhance athletes’ abilities,” he said.
The sports associations that received the highest grants were weightlifting and archery, each receiving RM125,000, followed by athletics (RM124,000), aquatics (RM123,000), rugby (RM122,000) and sepak takraw (RM105,000).
Additionally, the highest incentives were given to pencak silat athletes, totalling RM60,000, while athletics and arm wrestling received RM50,000 each.
Also present were Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Mansur Asun and Sabah Sports Council director Asneh Mohd Noor, who chaired the event.
