4 January 2024
Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) has been tasked to lead the Classification Committee of Para SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 by Para SUKMA Supreme Committee. Chairman of this Classification Committee, First Admiral Dato' Subramaniam Raman Nair (R), Secretary-General of PCM, chaired the first meeting on 4 January 2024, at Malaysia Paralympic Sports Centre of Excellence, Kampong Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.
Almost 20 senior internationally certified classifiers who have been instrumental for the development of Paralympic Movement in the country attended this meeting – online and physical presence. From MSN, Encik Mohd Safrushahar Yusof (Director of Talent & Women's Development), Encik Mohd Yazid Shoib (Director of Event & Sports) and few other key personnel involved in Para SUKMA 2024 were also present. Sarawak being the host state for Para SUKMA 2024 was headed by En Mohammad Zakeria Hattar (Head of Disabled Sports, Social Welfare Department Sarawak).
The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the following:
a. Governance of Para SUKMA 2024 Classification – Organisation Structure & Membership.
b. Implementation of Classification System – Policy / Procedure / Process.
c. Certification of Classifiers – National Classifier Training Program.
d. Classification Seminar – Knowledge Sharing for Classifiers Attending Para SUKMA 2024.
e. Understanding Classification Campaign – For General Public Awareness.
f. Budget for Para SUKMA 2024 Classification Committee – Cost Areas.
Para SUKMA 2024 will feature 10 Para Sports with about 1500 athletes and officials – Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Boccia, Para Chess, Para Lawn Bowls, Para Powerlifting, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis and Para Tenpin Bowling. The games will be held in Kuching from 22 to 28 September 2024.
The strategic intent of Para SUKMA 2024 Classification Committee is to steer towards ZERO Classification during the games – a trending development at international competitions. Efforts will be made to conduct nationwide classification activities by various stakeholders prior to the voyage for the games in Kuching. The key stakeholder – State Youth & Sports Department (JBSN) who is responsible to raise and prepare the state contingents for competitions shall be assisted by Certified Classifiers nationwide.
ZERO Classification at Kuching for Para SUKMA 2024 will have 3 main outcomes:
• The Organisers – Ease Burden of Classification Activities.
• The Classifiers – Ease Workloads.
• The Athletes – Eliminate Uncertainties For Participation.
