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)