Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will be sending 10 differently-abled chess athletes to Kuala Lumpur for the upcoming 4th Malaysian Lions International Chess Championship for People with Disabilities on Nov 23.
The athletes were selected during the Lions and Sabah Chess Association Chess Tournament held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Aug 10, where they earned their place to represent the State at national level.
The initiative is jointly organised by 13 Lions Clubs from across Sabah, led by Lion Rizawani Fiona Heng from the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu City, serving as the Organising Chairperson.
The programme aims to empower differently-abled individuals through skill-building, competition and exposure to national sporting pathways.
“This platform gives our athletes confidence, identity, and recognition. Chess is more than a game — it unlocks opportunity,” said Rizawani, who has been actively championing inclusive sports and youth engagement under Lions Clubs International.
Support for the delegation was strengthened with a RM10,000 sponsorship from the Sabah Council of Social Service.
The sponsorship was presented by MPMS Director, Jais Asri during an official handover ceremony.
District Governor 308-A2 Dato’ Winnie Lee and Joanne Lee, Executive Secretary of MPMS, were also present to witness the handover. Also present during the funding presentation were the Presidents of all 13 participating Lions Clubs, standing in solidarity to support the athletes’ journey.
The initiative has already proven effective, with one past participant from Sandakan progressing from this programme to represent Malaysia at the 2023 Paralympic SEA Games — a milestone that continues to inspire other athletes statewide.
As the Sabah athletes prepare to compete in Kuala Lumpur, they carry with them not only strategy and skill — but the pride, encouragement, and support of a strong Sabahan community behind them.
