2000 Sukma Games


The 2000 Sukma Games, officially known as the 8th Sukma Games, was a Malaysian multi-sports event held in Penang from 25 May to 3 June 2000. Perakian swimmer Allen Ong and Kuala Lumpurian swimmer Sia Wai Yen were announced as Best Sportsman and Best Sportswoman of the event respectively.

Development and preparation

The 8th Sukma Games Organising Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon was formed to oversee the staging of the event.

Venues

The 8th Sukma Games had 23 venues for the games, 2 in South Seberang Perai, 4 in Central Seberang Perai, 1 in North Seberang Perai, 3 in Southwest Penang Island and 13 in Northeast Penang Island.

Marketing

Logo

The 2000 Sukma Games logo is an image of an athlete running that resembles number two, with three number zeros behind in blue, yellow and red, the colours of Malaysian national flag, forming the number 2000 that represents the year 2000, the year which Penang hosted the Sukma Games. The Penang Bridge image on the logo, the landmark of Penang represents Penang as the host of the 2000 Sukma Games.

Mascot

The 2000 Sukma Games mascot is a pair of male and female parakeet named Bang Bayan and Chombee respectively. The mascots of the games are the first Sukma Games mascot to depict both male and female mascots. It is said that Parakeets are birds which are kept as a pet at home and are birds that can mimic human voice and perform some tricks. In the tradition of Indian fortune teller in Penang, the Parakeet is often used to predict one’s luck. Some places in Penang are named after the Malay word for the bird, Bayan such as Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas. The female Parakeet, Chombee is named after an eponymous character in Penang-born actor and singer P.Ramlee's film, Ibu Mertua-ku, while the male parakeet's name, Bang Bayan meaning Brother Parakeet in Malay. The adoption of parakeet as the games' mascot is to promote Penang as a tourist destination as well as to represent the participation of both male and female athletes in the games.

The games

Participating states

Broadcasting

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

Concerns and controversies