Paralympic athletes nominated for SAM Awards

For the first time in the history of the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM-100Plus) awards, two Paralympic athletes have been nominated as candidates.

During the SAM-100 Plus 2012 awards to be held on Feb 19, London Paralympics silver medallist Hasihin Sanawi (archery) and Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, winner of a bronze medal in shot put, have been nominated.

SAM Deputy President Asan Ahmad said nomination of the two athletes was to ensure a level playing field for the selection of award winners, including Paralympic athletes.

"We do not want to differentiate between normal athletes and Paralympic athletes, our aim is to honour those who have brought glory and success to the country at the highest level," he told reporters when announcing the SAM-100Plus 2012 awards, here, today.

For others nominated for the awards are shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei, winner of a silver medal in badminton at the 2012 London Olympics, diver Pandelela Rinong, winner of the bronze medal in diving (women's 10m platform), kegler Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek and squash queen Datuk Nicol David.

Shooter Nur Suryani Taibi was the winner of the SAM-100Plus 2011 award.

Apart sportsman of the year, seven other categories would be contested, including best sports article, best reporting, best special report (print & electronic media) and best photographer.

The top award winner walks away with RM7,000 while the winners of seven other categories receive RM3,000 each.

Asan said SAM had received 250 participation from members compared with 120 last year.