By P. Chandra Sagaran
After capturing fifth spot at the SUKMA XXI Sarawak with 35 gold, 38 silver and 56 bronze, the victorious athletes received their incentives at an event held at a hotel here on Tuesday.
This is the best outing for the Perak contingent in the Games outside the state.
Para athletes also did well by bringing home 25 gold, 22 silver and 20 bronze. They also finished in fifth position.
The incentives were presented by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.
The event was attended by athletes, coaches, officials, senior state government officers and wakil rakyat.
A total of 616 athletes participated in 37 events while 93 para athletes took part in 10 disciplines.
Meanwhile, a total of RM815,800 were given out to medal winning athletes in Sukma while RM286,200 were presented to para athletes.
The Silambam team of six exponents grabbed the highest payout of RM58,500 after they won six golds, two silver and two bronze.
In the Para Games, six chess competitors grabbed the highest incentives of RM74,500.
Saarani in his speech commended State Exco in charge of sports and Khairudin Abu Hanipah, State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abd Rahim who was Chef de Mission and State Financial Officer Datuk Mohd Zaki Mahyudin who was the Deputy Chef de Mission for their hard work and success of the state contingent.
“I also appreciate the commitment of officials, coaches, and medical teams who worked behind the scenes to ensure we achieve the desired results,” he added.
Kumpulan Selendang Perak kept the crowd entertained.