Irian Jaya sends 220 athletes for PON

JAYAPURA (JP): The Irian Jaya sports council has decided to send 220 athletes and 224 officials to the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, East Java, council spokesman Steven Dumbon said.

Steven said the contingent would include Irian Jaya Governor Freddy Numberi, the state minister of administrative reforms, the provincial secretary, the council's chairman and his deputies, regents, their secretaries, regency councilors and their wives.

"Each of the sport officials and provincial officials will pay their own transportation and accommodation fees during their stay in Surabaya. Papua's sports council will just provide the apparel," he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

The House of Representatives is expected to officially change the province's name to Papua.

Steven said the officials' presence would boost the athletes' motivation to win the national event. (eba)