OPENING OF PADANG KOTA RED ONE BADMINTON CUP 2019
SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE OPENING OF PADANG KOTA RED ONE BADMINTON CUP 2019
5 JULY 2019
RELAU SPORT COMPLEX
Good evening.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizing committee for inviting me here today, to this wonderful recreational and athletic venue to officiate the Padang Kota Red One Badminton Cup 2019.
I had been informed that this 3 day tournament, starting from today until July 7th, 2019 is participated by 32 teams from Indonesia, Philippines, and of course Malaysia with the participation of our former and promising champions. On behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and ‘Selamat Datang’ to all of you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we all know, badminton is undeniably a popular sport in Malaysia as it is across the globe. It is a sport that not only keeps us healthy in many ways, but it also fosters positive vibes such as teamwork, sportsmanship and friendship. As such, Penang is honoured and proud to be the host of the Padang Kota Red One Badminton Cup 2019 as we aim to promote ‘Health and Friendship Through Sports’.
I believe the gathering of participants here this evening itself is a symbol of friendship from people of all background, getting together for a common goal which is the love for badminton. This is something truly meaningful and significant as it proves that through sports, people from different ethnicity, race, or even nationality can comfortably get together and see eye to eye, leaving behind any differences to focus on that one common goal. Sports, in this case, badminton, certainly is an efficacious way to connect people.
Over the past decades, Penang has been the power house of badminton. We have produced world class champions like Dato’ Wira Lee Chong Wei, Dato’ Eddie Chong and many more. Through badminton, we were able to show the world that we could succeed despite being made up of a heterogeneous society. In fact, it had always been our significant key to success as we allowed our differences to thread us together through friendship and unity, and that, had always been our strength.
As such, I certainly hope that through this sport, all of us here are able to instil the same spirit within ourselves, as it will only help to make us stronger together in the wake of adversity. At the same time, I also hope that we will do our best to nurture and pass on these positive values to the upcoming generations whilst we live a healthy lifestyle through badminton.
I applaud and congratulate the organizers for organizing this event as well as for their initiative and effort to organize a free coaching clinic during this event, for 60 primary school children to nurture and produce more players in badminton amongst the youth.
The Penang State Government is always supportive of sports and recreation within the community. We believe that a united and healthy community will bring about a more productive nation. As such, we will continue our commitment to create a community not only focusing on development, social economy and a smart state but also a ‘greener, healthier and united Penang’ by making sure our aim is in line with our vision - Penang2030 to inspire the nation or even to a greater degree, people of all nation.
To all participants, I wish you well in the competition, and may you have many pleasant memories from this tournament. May this sport lead us all to a healthier and united life. With this, I hereby declare the PADANG KOTA RED ONE BADMINTON CUP 2019 open.
Thank you.