Three sports bodies continue training at own expense<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Three sports organizations are moving forward
\nwith their Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games decentralized
\ntraining programs at their own expense, with the National Sports
\nCouncil (KONI) continuing to complain of financial difficulties.<\/p>\n
KONI earlier asked 16 sports organizations to self-finance the
\nfinal phase of their preparations for the Games, despite its
\nearlier commitment to bear all the training costs.<\/p>\n
"The Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association (TI) has signed an
\nagreement with three Korean companies to support the SEA Games
\nteam. I cannot say anything further right now because it will be
\nbetter if the companies make the announcement," TI secretary-
\ngeneral Adrian Lumowa told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.<\/p>\n
"But at least you can see one (of the companies) is providing
\nsports equipment," he said, indicating sports equipment
\nmanufacturer Eagle.<\/p>\n
Adrian was speaking on the sidelines of a practice session for
\ntae kwon doins training at the Ragunan sports complex in South
\nJakarta. The athletes are training for the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17
\nGames in Kuala Lumpur.<\/p>\n
He dismissed the possibility that South Korean-based
\nelectronic appliance manufacturer LG Electronics Indonesia would
\nalso support the tae kwon do squad.<\/p>\n
"Our deal with LG is for a five-year sponsorship of our
\nnational championships and we must respect the agreement.<\/p>\n
"It is difficult to sign a contract with a company that is
\nwilling to provide a long-term commitment for the event. We
\ncannot ask for more than that deal," he said.<\/p>\n
Separately, Indonesian Fencing Association (Ikasi) chairman
\nWidarsadipradja told the Post the body would find "foster
\nparents" to support fencers who came from less than affluent
\nfamilies.<\/p>\n
"I must admit that Ikasi's chapters are still having financial
\ndifficulties financing their activities. We must reach some
\nbreakthrough.<\/p>\n
"We will find 'foster parents' for young fencers in the cadet
\n(under-17) age group. There are several fencing enthusiasts who
\nhave pledged their commitment.<\/p>\n
"For Ikasi, the SEA Games is only a stepping stone because we
\nare aiming for good results at the Pusan 2002 Asian Games in
\nSouth Korea. That is why we are focusing on the cadet fencers,"
\nhe said on the sidelines of the fencing national championships.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing
\nAssociation (Pordasi)'s head of Equestrian Commission, Johan
\nPitoy, said the association was working with horse owners to
\nshare the costs of the Games training program.<\/p>\n
"Horse owners lend their horses to riders to practice because
\nit will also benefit them if their horses enjoy good results. It
\nwill increase the value of the horses.<\/p>\n
"They also share the cost of foreign coaches with Pordasi. The
\nowners pay US$80 per hour for each horse to be trained, but they
\nlet riders use half of that time to practice with their horses."<\/p>\n
Pitoy added that expatriate horse owners were glad to help
\nPordasi because they felt like they were giving back to the
\ncountry. (nvn)<\/p>",
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