KONI officially appeals to President for funds

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar sent a letter on Tuesday to President Abdurrahman Wahid requesting financial support for the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games training program.

SEA Games training director Kusnan Ismukanto told reporters here that he did not know the amount of money requested by KONI.

"I can't tell you right now because I didn't see the letter. Besides, we want to avoid any popular disappointment if the President turns down the request," he said.

Earlier in May Wismoyo had informed Abdurrahman that KONI would need some Rp 15 billion (US$14 million) to finance the third phase of the training program starting this month.

"But I don't know if the President will grant such an amount. The State Secretariat asked Pak Wismoyo to make an official letter. The deadline for the letter is today," Kusnan said.

So far, KONI has collected Rp 28 billion (US$2.5 million) out of the Rp 48.6 billion needed for the final phase of the training program and for sending a core squad to Kuala Lumpur, leaving a Rp 13.9 billion deficit.

The figure of Rp 48.6 billion consists of Rp 22.5 billion for training, Rp 20.3 billion for sports equipment and the return trip to Kuala Lumpur and Rp 5.8 billion in bonuses for medal- winners.

Wismoyo chaired Tuesday's meeting with coaches from 29 sports organizations who will compete at the biennial event from Sept. 8 to Sept. 17.

Kusnan said Wismoyo had asked coaches to boost their morale, despite the economic crisis.

SEA Games project officer, Putera Astaman, who joined Kusnan in the media briefing, said KONI would stage a special event to motivate the coaches on Thursday evening.

"We want coaches to boost their fighting spirit to enable them in turn to motivate their athletes. We'll also hold a discussion for the coaches on how to become an agent of change and how to cope with stress. We have to start with coaches and team managers," he said, adding that almost all sports organizations have appointed their respective managers.

Putera also said KONI would give support to cash-strapped athletes to go for an overseas tryout.

"Some sports organizations convinced us that they could increase their medal reap if KONI could help finance their athletes for overseas tryouts."

He also hoped that the financial aid from the President would come in mid-June at the latest to help the training program run as planned.

"There are athletes who need new equipment. Ordering equipment takes time," he said. (ivy)