Habibie urges SEA Games squad to do its best<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie encouraged national
\nathletes to compete to the best of their abilities at the 20th
\nSoutheast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month.<\/p>\n
\"Fight with self-confidence, but don't be arrogant,\" he said
\nin a speech to athletes in the State Palace garden on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The athlete's contingent -- comprising 350 athletes, 162
\ncoaches and 45 officials -- will cover 20 sports in the biennial
\nevent to be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.<\/p>\n
Habibie said although Indonesia was still experiencing the
\neffects of the economic crisis, all the athletes were expected to
\nshow the world Indonesia had a reputation as fighters who would
\nnever give up.<\/p>\n
\"Good teamwork is something all contingent members must take
\non as a reflection of our nation's unity which is always mindful
\nof any threats.<\/p>\n
\"You must all be sportsmanlike and accept winning and losing
\nat the Games in a friendly mood. You have to be fair in the
\ncompetition, and don't cheat because it will relay a bad image of
\nour country.\"<\/p>\n
Indonesia, which faces a tough challenge from archrival
\nThailand, has set a target of 70 golds out of the 235 golds at
\nstake.<\/p>\n
The projected tally is way below Indonesia's stunning home
\nvictory two years ago, when the contingent grabbed 194 golds.
\nThailand trailed in second place with 83 golds.<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, National Sports Council (KONI) chairman
\nWismoyo Arismunandar was optimistic national athletes could
\nretain Indonesia's supremacy in the region by becoming the
\noverall champion.<\/p>\n
Wismoyo accompanied the athletes, along with State Minister of
\nYouth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono, chef de mission Mochammad
\nHindarto and executive training director Imron Z.S.<\/p>\n
The contingent wore their red-and-white uniforms during the
\nceremony. The atmosphere at the event was relaxed, with the
\nathletes seated only a few meters away from the President.<\/p>\n
Several ministers, some of them chairmen of various sports
\norganizations, also attended the ceremony.<\/p>\n
Representatives from five sports -- shooting, table tennis,
\ndiving and water polo and hockey -- were unable to attend the
\nceremony, due to overseas training commitments.<\/p>\n
Imron Z.S. said later on Thursday that Habibie had also
\nexpressed a wish the SEA Games contingent would regain the
\noverall title.<\/p>\n
\"He spoke the same language as Pak Wismoyo by encouraging
\nathletes to do their best for the country. I think the President
\nis getting closer to the sports community,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Imron said the relaxed atmosphere during the visit was
\nunexpected.<\/p>\n
\"I felt a friendliness between the President and the athletes.
\nIn the past, we met the President inside the palace and we had to
\nsit down or stand up according to the protocol when the president
\ndelivered his speech.\"<\/p>\n
Imron expressed hope that Habibie would be able to attend a
\ndinner party for the contingent at the Senayan indoor tennis
\nstadium on July 31.<\/p>\n
KONI deputy of media and promotion Ahmed Solichin said the
\ndinner would also be attended by famous artists, whose presence
\nwas expected to boost athletes' spirits.<\/p>\n
\"We hope the President can join us at the dinner and pray
\ntogether with the athletes at its conclusion,\" Imron said.
\n(ivy\/prb)<\/p>",
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