Governor Sutiyoso vows to help Asian Games team

Governor Sutiyoso vows to help Asian Games team

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has said the city
administration will work to drum up financial support for the
National Sports Council to send the national contingent to the
13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December.

Although the administration is facing financial problems, it
would also try to help the association by encouraging private
sector assistance, he said.

"The money will not be taken from the city budget but from
other posts," he said Wednesday after witnessing a soccer match
between the national senior and junior teams at the Senayan main
stadium.

He did not mention the figure of the contribution but he urged
other administrations to follow suit.

"I'm sure all governors will gather to solve the problem."

The council's chairman, Wismoyo Arismunandar, has made an
informal request to governors whose athletes are likely to be
named to the squad to provide the funds for their participation
in the quadrennial event.

"We haven't asked them officially. I hope governors can help
to finance their athletes' airfares," Wismoyo was quoted by
Antara as saying.

Wismoyo also hoped governors with no athletes selected for the
team would also help out.

The council has secured Rp 5.2 billion (US$346,700) from the
National Development Planning Board, but it remains far below the
Rp 7 billion needed.

"I'm sure we'll get more funds to fly the whole team to the
Asiad," he said.

The council will announce the official team list and sports
for participation next month. (yan)