Sports body needs more funds for Atlanta Olympic Games<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): With just five weeks left, the National Sports
\nCouncil needs another Rp 1.5 billion (US$638,300) to finance the
\npreparations for the Atlanta Olympic Games.<\/p>\n
Fritz E. Simanjuntak, the council's deputy official, in charge
\nof planning and budget affairs, said in a financial aid
\npresentation at Citibank yesterday that the preparations for the
\nSummer Games will cost the council Rp 5.2 billion.<\/p>\n
Citibank has donated Rp 1.6 billion and the council has
\nbetween Rp 2 and 3 billion left over from its budget for the last
\nSoutheast Asian Games.<\/p>\n
\"About 60 percent of the funds go towards the national
\ntraining program and overseas stints, while the rest will be used
\nfor the accommodation of athletes during the Games,\" Fritz said.<\/p>\n
Eighteen of the 97 athletes originally listed have dropped out
\nafter four months of training. In mid-June, the council is
\nexpected to announce the Olympic team, which will enter
\ncompetition in 18 sports.<\/p>\n
Fritz said that the council has decided not to tap the Rp 10
\nbillion provided by the 1997 Southeast Asian Games consortium for
\nsports development to cover the deficit.<\/p>\n
The consortium, led by Bimantara Group owner and President
\nSoeharto's son Bambang Trihatmodjo, donated the money to the
\ncouncil in exchange for the rights to SEA Games marketing.
\nIndonesia will host the Games around October next year.<\/p>\n
Citibank yesterday handed over Rp 71,450,000 to council
\nchairman Wismoyo Arismunandar. The money was raised from credit
\ncard holders who bought 7,300 special Olympic edition pins.<\/p>\n
Farid Aidid, Citibank Asia-Pacific Vice President, said that
\nhe had discussed another fund raising idea with Wismoyo: selling
\nmerchandise with the logo of the sports council, not the Olympic
\nlogo, thus avoiding royalty payments to the IOC. (yan)<\/p>",
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