Grant propels rowing sport forward
RM80,000 for inaugural Penang championship, talent development programme for the disabled
IT WAS a show of grit during the first Penang Rowing Beach Sprint Coastal Championship 2025 as contestants rowed against high tides and scorching heat.
The challenge included a 200m sprint and a 4km endurance race.
About 50 rowers from Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka participated.
The maiden race comprised various segments aimed at preparing participants for the 2025 SEA Games that will be held in Thailand.
The championship was organised by Penang Rowing Association (PRA) and launched at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
In her speech, Yeoh said the association had applied for and received RM60,000 via the Sports Matching Grant to hold the championship.
'All sports associations can apply for this grant.
'If their applications are approved, they will be reimbursed for the cost of the event.'
Holding the Jalur Gemilang are Yeoh (right) and Gooi, together with race organisers and participants during the championship at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Yeoh said the association received an additional RM20,000 under the ministry's allocation to create programmes for people with disabilities, with the aim of developing talent in the disabled community.
'I think rowing can be carried out in a safe environment.
'There is also indoor rowing that has controlled conditions.
'I have asked them to create a special session as I believe many disabled youth do not have enough programmes.
'There are some programmes for the disabled when they are in school but afterwards, they seem to become less active.'
Yeoh expressed confidence that the association would be able to develop talent among Penang's disabled community.
'If it is a success here, I hope to expand it to other states.'
PRA president Sam Sim said the championship was a platform for rowers heading to the SEA Games.
He thanked for the grant as it would help the association hold similar events and groom talent.
'The additional allocation to help the disabled will enable us to encourage local talent.
'We have indoor rowing and in the past, we have held programmes for the disabled.
'As long as they have upper body strength and can use their hands, they can take part.
'We will hold a rowing clinic before progressing into training programmes,' he said.
Also present at the event was state youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
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