2008 Sukma Games

12th Sukma Games

Teams participating	15
Events	406 in 31 sports
Opening ceremony	31 May 2008
Closing ceremony	9 June 2008
Officially opened by	Mizan Zainal Abidin Sultan of Terengganu
Main venue	Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Kuala Terengganu
Website	2008 Sukma Games
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The 2008 Sukma Games, officially known as the 12th Sukma Games was a multi-sport event held in Besut, Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Dungun and Marang from 31 May 2008 to 9 June 2008 with 406 in 31 sports and disciplines featured in the games.^[1]

This was Terengganu's first time to host the Sukma Games. Terengganu is the eleventh state to host the Sukma Games after Federal Territory, Sarawak, Johor, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Penang, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah.

The final medal tally was led by host Terengganu, followed by Selangor and Sarawak. Several national and games records were broken during the games. Selangorian swimmer Foo Jian Beng and Sarawakian swimmer Marellyn Liew were announced as Best Sportsman and Best Sportswoman of the games respectively. With little or no controversy at all, the games were deemed generally successful, with the rising standard of competition amongst the Malaysian states.

Organisation

Host city

This is the 12th edition of Sukma Games since its introduction in 1986. It was for the very first time the state held such a national sporting event. At that time, all states held their respective Sukma Games except for Malacca, Perlis and Kelantan.

Prior to this games, Terengganu has yet to host any Sukma Games. As this is the first time the Malaysian state held such a grand national sporting event, many of the sports venues and facilities were freshly completed.

Venues

The 2008 Sukma Games used a mix of new and existing venues. Most venues were existing public-sporting facilities, while others were newly constructed venues. Some retrofitting work were done in venues which are more than a decade old. They were revert to public use after the games.

At the centrepiece of the activities was the upgraded Gong Badak Sports Complex. Incorporating the 50,000-seat Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, it hosts most of the events. A games village was not built, instead athletes and officials were housed in Universities across Terengganu such as Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Education Institute, Malaysia Construction Academy, Universiti Teknologi Mara, TATI University College and National Youth Skills Institute Hotel which were chosen to be the official games village. Besides being physically near to the competition venues, it was hoped that it will add vibe to the host cities and reduce post-games costs in converting a dedicated games village to other uses.

The 12th Sukma Games had 23 venues for the games, 9 in Kuala Terengganu, 3 each in Hulu Terengganu and Kemaman respectively and 2 each in Besut, Dungun, Marang and Setiu respectively.

Marketing

The official mascot.

Logo and mascot

The logo of the 2008 Sukma Games is a 'T' letter, which represents Terengganu, fitness, spirit and agility and overall the yacht found of the coast of Terenggganu. Four colours are found on the logo of the 2008 Sukma Games. Black represents Terengganu as host of the 2008 Sukma Games, Red represents the fiery fighting spirit of the athletes in achieving victory, Blue represents unity and the sea of Terengganu and yellow represents the sincerity in making the 2008 Sukma Games a success and Terengganu as a constitutional monarchy.^[2]

The official mascot of the 2008 Sukma Games is an Ocellaris Clownfish named Si Diman. It is a "bisexual mascot" that can be refer as either male or female mascot. The clownfish can be found off the islands off the coast of Terengganu. The mascot's characteristics of active, energetic and aggressive, represents the spirit of the athletes in all sport while the smile of the mascot represents the fun the games brought to people. The flag of Terengganu held by the mascot represents the burning spirit and the role played by Terengganu as the host of Sukma Games. Diman is short for Darul Iman synonym to the state of Terengganu. The abbreviated word with two syllabus is easily pronounced and remembered. The word 'Iman' is a principle of Muslims, represents the official religion of Terengganu. Diman is also based on the myth of the greatest warrior of Terengganu long time ago.^[3]

Songs

The theme song of the games is "Sukma Dua Belas Terengganu 2008" (The 12th Sukma Games Terengganu 2008).

The games

Participating states

Sports

Medal table

A total of 1311 medals, comprising 406 Gold medals, 401 Silver medals and 504 Bronze medals were awarded to athletes. The host Terengganu's performance was their best ever yet and emerged as overall champion of the games.^[4]

Key

  *   Host state (Terengganu)

2008 Sukma Games medal table

Rank	State	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	Terengganu (TER)*	61	39	47	147
2	Selangor (SEL)	54	47	51	152
3	Sarawak (SAR)	52	52	42	146
4	Pahang (PAH)	31	29	24	84
5	Federal Territory (WIL)	29	38	58	125
6	Perak (PRK)	29	27	39	95
7	Kedah (KED)	29	27	37	93
8	Penang (PEN)	27	31	47	105
9	Johor (JOH)	27	31	40	98
10	Malacca (MEL)	23	22	27	72
11	Sabah (SAB)	21	20	31	72
12	Negeri Sembilan (NSE)	11	21	35	67
13	Kelantan (KEL)	8	9	18	35
14	Perlis (PER)	4	6	8	18
15	Brunei (BRU)	0	2	0	2
Total (15 States)		406	401	504	1311

Broadcasting

Radio Televisyen Malaysia was responsible for live streaming of several events, opening and closing ceremony of the games.

External links

• Official website of the games

References