Sabah to Send 10 Differently-Abled Chess Athletes to National Championship

Jais Asri (6th left) handing over the RM10,000 sponsorship to Dato’ Winnie Lee, while Rizawani Fiona Heng (9th right), Joanne Lee (5th left) and other Lions members and MPMS staff look on.

20 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be sending a team of 10 differently-abled chess athletes to Kuala Lumpur to compete in the 4th Malaysian Lions International Chess Championship for People with Disabilities on 23 November 2025.

The athletes earned their places to represent the state following the Lions and Sabah Chess Association Chess Tournament, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on 10 August 2025.

The initiative is jointly organised by 13 Lions Clubs across Sabah, with Lion Rizawani Fiona Heng of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu City serving as the Organising Chairperson. The programme aims to empower differently-abled individuals through skill development, competition, and exposure to national sporting pathways.

“This platform gives our athletes confidence, identity, and recognition. Chess is more than a game — it unlocks opportunity,” said Rizawani, who has been a longstanding advocate for inclusive sports and youth engagement under Lions Clubs International.

Support for the delegation was strengthened with a RM10,000 sponsorship from the Sabah Council of Social Service (MPMS). The sponsorship was officially handed over by MPMS Director Jais Asri during a ceremony attended by District Governor 308-A2 Dato’ Winnie Lee and Joanne Lee, Executive Secretary of MPMS. Also present were the Presidents of all 13 participating Lions Clubs, showing solidarity for the athletes’ journey.

The initiative has already demonstrated tangible results. One past participant from Sandakan progressed through the programme to represent Malaysia at the 2023 Paralympic SEA Games — a milestone that continues to inspire athletes across the state.

As the Sabah athletes prepare to compete in Kuala Lumpur, they carry not only strategy and skill but also the pride and encouragement of the Sabahan community behind them.