BAGOC to learn from SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): Free spectator entry and incentives for world record breaking athletes are two of the features of the SEA Games which the Bangkok Asian Games Organizing Committee (BAGOC) said it might adopt when it hosts the continent's premier sporting event.

BAGOC marketing director Santiparb Tejavanija said these were some of the "various good points" which could be used in next December's Games.

"All the sports are free for all the people," he said. "Even though someone may not like sports, he or she can come to the event and enjoy the games," he added.

To gain entry to many sports people have only been required to show stickers bought while paying utility bills in the last six months.

Santiparb also said that the hosts were promising to present additional material rewards to athletes who broke world records.

"This kind of incentive is good," he remarked, adding that it could help boost athletes' performances.

Speaking on the preparations for the Asian Games, Santiparb said 379 gold medals in 36 sports would be contested.

Both he and Chetta Thanajaro, the chairman of the Thai Olympic committee, stressed that preparations were underway and would be complete well before the Games begins.

Irian Jaya

At a separate press conference the chairman of the Indonesian Athletics Association, Mohammd "Bob" Hasan, said a synthetic track would be built in Timika, Irian Jaya, to further the development of the sport in the province.

He said the development, including dormitories for athletes and coaches, would cost about Rp 250 million (US$ 70,000) and be funded by the private sector.

Bob also thanked PT Freeport for its contribution to sports development in the Irian Jaya. The mining giant sponsored the 1997 provincial championships and is expected to be the main funder for next year's event. (04)