Show real sportsmanship, Malaysian hospitality to other contingents - Tun Jeanne

The Malaysian contingent competing at the 9th ASEAN Para Games (APG) from Sept 17-23, has been urged to show real sportsmanship and the Malaysian hospitality to athletes and officials from other countries.

The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) Patron Tun Jeanne Abdullah said as the host of the biennial Games for athletes with special needs, the national contingent must show friendliness to other competitors.

"This is sports and there is such a thing as sportsmanship, so as host, we must welcome them with to our home with warm hospitality even though they are our rivals. We can show them the real Malaysian hospitality that has blended in our culture...We have always been kind, happy and humble.

"So show it to our friends that we welcome them here," she told reporters after the Games torch handing ceremony as the national contingent moves into their final preparation camp here, Tuesday.

When asked about the ability to achieve the 103 gold medal target, she said 'being a mother' for the athletes, what matters the most is to ensure the athletes perform their best and make the country proud.

Tun Jeanne who is the wife of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also urged Malaysians to come forward and support the 326 national athletes who will be representing the country in 289 events from 16 types of sports, including athletics, chess, archery, cycling, football and tenpin bowling.

"I believe and love all of them (athletes), I know they will do their best this time because they just wanted this one chance to do it for the country. I urge fellow Malaysians to come and support them, especially the wheelchair basketball and boccia, I guarantee you will cry seeing them doing what we cannot do," she added.

Also present was Tun Abdullah, Malaysia Paralympic Council (MPC) president SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Chef-de-Mission Datuk R. Subramaniam and National Sports Council Paralympic Division director Safrul Sahar.

The games would be held at six main competition venues; Kuala Lumpur Sports City (KLSC), Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), National Velodrome in Nilai, National Tennis Centre in Jalan Duta, Sunway Mega Lanes and Putrajaya. - BERNAMA