KONI officially appeals to President for funds
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)
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)