KONI looks abroad to raise funds for sports development<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) will help
\npromote Indonesian sports in the international arena as part of
\nefforts to raise funds for sports development in the country, a
\nKONI executive said on Friday.<\/p>\n
Arie Sudewo, KONI deputy chairman, said that the council would
\ncooperate with businesspeople and sports federations, which have
\nproven capabilities dealing with international sports bodies.<\/p>\n
He said details of the agreement between KONI and the sports
\nfederations had not been decided. He also did not disclose when
\nthe arrangements would commence.<\/p>\n
\"KONI will be the center for the national sports industry.
\nSports will become a marketable commodity, but we will need the
\nfederations' help to make the scheme a success,\" Arie, a retired
\nArmy lieutenant general, said.<\/p>\n
One of the objectives is to enable the council to serve as a
\npromoter of tournaments featuring the world's leading athletes,
\naccording to Arie.<\/p>\n
\"We could invite overseas soccer teams, for example, to play
\nat Senayan stadium. I'm sure it will attract many spectators,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He said the council would not meddle with the sports bodies'
\nprimary task of grooming athletes, finding sponsors and paving
\nthe way for athletes to start professional careers.<\/p>\n
\"If we can sell our sports for money to be used to train
\nathletes and improve their welfare, I think they would gradually
\nbecome professionals,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The scheme will be internally supervised by KONI officials in
\ncharge of business, media and promotion affairs.<\/p>\n
Foreign coaches<\/p>\n
Arie also said KONI would give its support to any sports
\nbodies which planned to hire foreign coaches.<\/p>\n
However, he said permission would be given only to sports
\nfederations whose athletes could win medals in international
\nsports events such as the Southeast Asian Games and the Olympic
\nGames.<\/p>\n
He said that instead of importing coaches, KONI hoped to
\ndevelop national coaches and promote them to the regional and
\ninternational sports community.<\/p>\n
\"A sports federation which insists on hiring world class
\ncoaches should think of their budget. If they can't afford to
\nsign top foreign trainers, wouldn't it be better for them to
\nemploy national coaches?\" he said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has so far exported three badminton coaches who
\nformerly played for the national team. The three are Indra
\nWidjaya, Atik Djauhari and Ardy B. Wiranata. (ivy)<\/p>",
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