Oka Sulaksana gets new manager, sponsor

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)