Outstanding athletes to receive top honors

JAKARTA (JP): A thanksgiving ceremony will be the highlight of the 12th National Sports Day celebrations on Sept. 9, with the government to award special medals to Indonesia's 32 leading sportsmen and women.

Chairman of the committee organizing the celebrations, Imam Suyudi, said on Monday that President Soeharto will present the medals at the State Palace.

On Sept. 9, 1948, Indonesia, as a very young nation, held its first National Games in Surakarta. Since 1989, Sept. 9 has been celebrated as National Sports Day.

At the medal presentation ceremony, the government will also show its appreciation to 38 prime movers in Indonesian sports, as well as 10 coaches and 12 referees.

Imam declined to disclose the names of the best athletes. "We shortlisted only those whose commendable showings included, at least, victories at the Southeast Asian Games," he said.

Saturday's medal presentation will follow a series of medal presentations by the government to distinguished citizens of the republic, as one of the activities being carried out to mark Indonesia's 50th anniversary of independence.

The National Sports Council (KONI) had originally selected 40 sportsmen and women to receive the laurels. Indonesia's first Olympic gold medalists, Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma; the women's archery trio of Nurfitriyana, Hamdiah and Dahliana; and number one chess player Grand Master Utut Adianto were among the nominees.

"The medals presentation is aimed at highlighting the need for higher achievement among the athletes," said Imam.

KONI, under its new chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar, set up a special body to prepare awards for outstanding athletes. The national sports governing body has also pledged to honor the country's best athletes more than it has in the past.

"Triumphant athletes, like victorious soldiers, deserve a jovial reception when come home from battle," Wismoyo, a former National Army Commander, said.

The committee will also hold a massive parade around the National Museum on Sunday, which is expected to involve 38,000 people. A number of national sportsmen and women will join the huge procession, to be led by Coordinating Minister for Public's Welfare Azwar Anas. (amd)