Oka Sulaksana gets new manager, sponsor
JAKARTA (JP): National windsurfer Oka Sulaksana will no longer be worried about cash and opportunity on his quest to be one of the world's best windsurfers, after signing an agreement with Imagin'Air Group, a group of companies which concentrates on the development of communication technology.
Oka said that the group would act as his managing partner and official sponsor. The goal of both parties is for Oka to compete in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1.
However, he refused to mention the value of the deal.
"I emphasize here that my relationship with Imangin'Air Group is based on goodwill founded on the spirit of sportsmanship, and not primarily on business or money," he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.
Oka added that Imagin'Air Group, which is based in Monaco and France, was committed to sports development, particularly nautical sports. He said that goodwill and all its aspect would lead to a strong foundation for business.
"In my current status as an amateur athlete, what can I sell to the general public from the business point of view?" said Oka, the 1998 Asian Games gold medalist in the IMCO heavy division windsurfing in Pattaya, Thailand.
Oka said Imagin'Air Group would help him manage his training, guide his career and also his life regarding strategy and public relations.
He said he was optimistic about the prospects of the relationship.
"Together, we want to make Bali and Indonesia more popular around the world through windsurfing and other water sports," he said.
Imagin'Air Group explained in a media release which is also available in Oka's official website www.Go-Oka.com, that the management would include the opportunity to actively participate in various international competitions, provide intensive technical and physical training by world class specialists, build relationships with the world's professional windsurfers and provide the chance to fully concentrate without any 'non- technical' obstacles.
"Oka has demonstrated his determination through his struggles to achieve his current level (No. 1 in Asia and No. 96 in the world), and is still giving his best to reach the highest level, especially for the Olympic Games in Sydney," the statement said.
"It is firmly believed that the management will give Oka the chance to reach his best," it said.
Oka finished 13th in his Olympic debut in 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Imagin'Air Group will also finance Oka in various tours in France, Spain, Hong Kong and Greece prior to the Olympics. Oka is also scheduled to train with the French team and will spend about a month of acclimatization in Sydney.
The release also said that company management would observe Oka and his development closely and will issue the most up to date coverage and reports of his progress, related planning and achievements. (ivy)