66 RI stars leave for Chiang Mai today

66 RI stars leave for Chiang Mai today

JAKARTA (JP): Sixty-six athletes for the shooting, squash, bowling and sailing events gathered for a farewell ceremony yesterday before leaving for Bangkok and Pattaya for the 18th Southeast Asian Games today.

The sharpshooting competition and the yachting races of the SEA Games are to be held at the two venues, while other sports are to be staged at Chiang Mai.

Arie Sudewo, chef de mission of the Indonesian contingent urged athletes to keep in good physical condition before each competition in their respective sports.

"Always remember to take care of your health, especially before you take part in an event," he said.

The 66-strong team is made up of six officials, eight shooters, 25 sailors, 16 bowlers and 11 squash athletes.

In his speech, Arie asked athletes to keep their spirits and motivation high at the SEA Games to boost their performance.

Hindarto, a top official of the National Sports Council, said that the athletes had to leave earlier than scheduled today due to the limited seats to Bangkok. They will be flying on national carrier Garuda Indonesia at 8 a.m.

Meanwhile at the Senayan Madya stadium, about 100 athletes gathered to conduct a general rehearsal for the SEA Games opening ceremony. They were scheduled to leave for Chiang Mai tomorrow. (05)