KUCHING, A total of 240 sports counsellors for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 and Para SUKMA are ready to provide the best services throughout the games, which will be held from Aug 17-24 and Sept 23-28 respectively. According to a statement from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, all participants have undergone training under the Counsellor Empowerment Programme at Wisma Wanita here. Key topics include the role of sports counsellors and psychological first aid for athletes during the event, the statement read. 'A total of 160 SUKMA 2024 counsellors and 80 Para SUKMA 2024 counsellors have been appointed to ensure the emotional and mental well-being of athletes throughout the games. 'Appointed counsellors will be stationed at the One Stop Centre to facilitate athletes in accessing services provided by the Welfare Committee,' the statement read further. It also said that all counsellors will adhere to updated guidelines. SUKMA 2024 will take place across nine divisions: Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sr i Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri. This edition will feature 37 sports with 488 events, including 236 men's events, 217 women's events and 35 mixed events. Sarawak has previously hosted the games twice, in 1990 and 2016. Source: BERNAMA News Agency