KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is honoured to host the 16th Southeast Asian (SEA) Youth  Athletics Championship, a major sporting event that goes a long way to boost athletic  standards and promote friendship between participants of competing nations, said Chief  Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

“We will all benefit from this sporting event. For our Malaysian team, it is an opportunity  to compete against the best from the region. We certainly wish to see our Malaysian  athletes moving on to represent Malaysia at the higher level and at other prestigious  championships,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 16th SEA Youth Athletics  Championship at the Likas Stadium near here tonight. 

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Elron Alfred Angin read his speech. The Chief Minister said Sabah does not lack talent and potential in various sports.  

“Over the years and up to recent sports championship events, Malaysian athletes,  including those from Sabah, have made our country proud at the regional and  international stage.  

“Our government has been proud of them and is always committed to supporting sports  development, especially for young athletes like you here tonight,” he said. 

In this respect, Hajiji said the State government had allocated a sizable allocation for  youth and sports development in Sabah, totalling RM101.49 million.  

“The allocation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah will go towards the  management and implementation of various youth and sports development programmes  for next year,” he said. 

He said the State Government had also allocated RM12.24 million to upgrade the  stadium facilities, including the running tracks where this Championship will take place,  given the importance of prestigious events.  

“This is an ongoing process for all sports facilities throughout the state so that facilities  remain conducive, safe, and comfortable for athletes and public use,” he said.

Welcoming the more than 500-strong athletes representing 11 countries, namely  Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Timor Leste, Myanmar, and host country Malaysia, Hajiji said their presence here added to the  significance and excitement of this Championship.  

“You are all here to celebrate athleticism, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition.  It is an opportunity for all athletes to showcase their talents and push their limits.  

“As they compete, let us cheer for every one of them, recognising their efforts and  dedication. For the athletes, such competitions will most certainly teach them important  life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, and respect. These are essential values  both on and off the field,” he said. 

“To our young athletes competing, I urge you to push and challenge yourselves. Whether  you win or lose, what matters most is the spirit of participation and giving your best effort.  

“You are all champions in your own right. Support and encourage each other. Cheer  your friends and respect your opponents. Good luck to all of you,” he said. 

Present were Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, President of the Malaysian Athletics  Federatiion, Mohamat Hassan, Prresident of the Sabah Athletics Federatiion, heads of  participating athletic associations and senior government officials. 

Ends