Governor seeks athletes' loyalty

Governor seeks athletes' loyalty

SEMARANG: Central Java Governor Mardiyanto expressed hope that all the athletes in his jurisdiction would show their loyalty to fight for victory for Central Java during the coming National Games or PON XVII to be held in East Kalimantan in 2008.

He was speaking about it in response to the fact that many of Central Java's athletes have joined the teams of other provinces, after be lured by financial incentives.

He, therefore, promised that he would give them better financial support should they be willing to stay and fight for the victory of their own province.

Mardiyanto also gave his word that he would also provide all the athletes, who achieve good performances, with bonuses, facilities and a good recommendation.

The athletes who take part in the provincial short-term training program will be given a monthly salary of Rp 1.5 million, which is far above the minimum regional salary. -- JP