Beggars recruited to boost athletes' spirits

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: South Sumatra provincial government is planning to recruit hundreds of street children and beggars as supporters of South Sumatra athletes competing in the National Games (PON) next month, an official said on Friday.

The recruitment is aimed at boosting the spirits of South Sumatra athletes in the National Games, said Fadjri Nashir, the head of South Sumatra Social Welfare Office.

Street children in South Sumatra numbered 5,128 last year, according to data available at the welfare office. -- JP