Athletics association inks apparel sponsorship

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The provision of high-quality sports apparel, particularly shoes, is expected to boost the campaign of national track and field athletes in the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines.

"Providing shoes for the track athletes is a more bit confusing than it is, for example, for badminton players. We have to find different shoes for athletes from different disciplines," secretary-general of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) Tigor Tanjung said on Tuesday at the announcement of a sports apparel agreement with Japan-based maker Mizuno.

"Different shoes are required for the 100 meters and 800 meters, and it's the same case for jumpers and throwers."

He hoped the provision of the products would spur the athletes to excel.

"They offer international, high-quality products. Hopefully, the athletes can nurture a sense of responsibility by striving to perform well during competition."

The partnership -- part of a four-year deal with PASI worth US$500,000 annually -- was announced here on Tuesday. Mizuno was represented by its sole Indonesian distributor PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP).

"I'm honored to be associated with PASI in this unique deal. This is just the beginning to get much more involved in Indonesia's sports development," said Michael Capper, sports division head for MAP.

Mizuno, which is the official partner of the International Association of Athletics Federations, will provide the national team with sporting equipment including caps, shirts and footwear.

"They actually supported PASI in the past year (in an informal relationship), but today we are making it formal. With the signing, Mizuno will provide all the needs of the athletes, from head to foot, until 2008," said Tigor, who was accompanied by PASI chairman Mohamad "Bob" Hasan.

MAP, which has more than 200 sports outlets in the country, also promised incentives for successful athletes.

"That's our financial commitment, but the real issue today is getting the athletes enough equipment to train for the time being," Capper said.

PASI is sending 13 men and 13 women to the SEA Games to compete in 21 of 45 events. The Games will officially open on Sunday in Pasay City, although sports such as water polo and soccer are already in competition.