SUKMA 2016: 800 volunteers serving on frontline as gracious hosts

Abdul Haris (standing in suit front, centre), together with volunteers, officials and facilitators, pledged to do their best to ensure a smooth running of the 18th Malaysia Games from July 22 till 31.

KUCHING (GerylOgilvyRuekeith): About 800 volunteers, all ready and raring to go, will be deployed when the state plays host to the 18th Malaysia Games (Sukma XVIII) from July 22 till 31.

According to the state Youth and Sports director Abdul Haris Ishak, the volunteers have undergone training and fully prepared to carry out their duties beginning today (July 16) as athletes pour in from throughout the country.

He explained that overall, the state has appointed 1,500 volunteers.

The 800 volunteers, to undertake general duties, will complement some 700 technical voluntary personnel on roster throughout the 10-day prestigious sporting meet.

“Our general volunteers make up to about 800 in number, ranging from higher learning students, civil servants as well as unemployed graduates. They will be absorbed by various committees dealing with transportation, lodging including the prize presentation programmes.

“All together, there are 11 committees set up for this Sukma covering areas such as media, ICT, food and beverage as well as those helping out with our national broadcasting agency RTM. They are trained and fully prepared to commence duty,” he told reporters after the presentation of certificates to the general volunteers at the Youth and Sports Complex here yesterday.

He added that some of the general volunteers will be put up at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) which also serves as the Games Village for Sukma XVIII athletes nationwide.

Most of the volunteers will arrive before the opening ceremony on July 23.

In his speech earlier, Abdul Haris advised the general volunteers to carry themselves well throughout the games to maintain a good image for Sarawak. He pointed out that the volunteers, playing a very important role in the organising of Sukma XVII, must have the same notion as the athletes in doing the state proud.

He reminded the volunteers to maintain discipline at all times, punctual when showing up for duty as well as being friendly to everybody. Volunteers were also reminded to be cooperative when discharging their duties.

“We want you to ensure the smooth running of Sukma. Make this year’s edition the best organised Sukma.

“Our chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) wants Sarawak to be the best in terms of performance and administration. That is why our volunteers, similar to the athletes, must give their best,” he continued.

The state will be represented by 480 athletes, consisting of 261 men and 219 women for the upcoming Malaysia Games. -TheBorneoPost