Record breakers at Games to get house

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said any athlete who breaks a world record at the 19th SEA Games here next month will receive a house from a sponsor.

Speaking before 29 Malaysian journalists at Taman Ria Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday evening, Hayono said two houses, which would be provided by the Daksa company in Cibinong, would be given to world record breakers from all participating countries, not just the host.

Daksa company director Tito Santoso said the 36-square-meter houses would each have a swimming pool in their yards.

"The target to break a world record is very difficult for SEA Games athletes," said a Malaysian journalist.

The journalists have observed Games preparation since Thursday. Antara reported they seemed satisfied with the preparation by the host for the biennial event, which starts on Oct. 11 and ends on Oct. 19.

They toured the newly completed athletic village, or the Mulia Hotel, all venues in the Senayan sports complex and the badminton training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

During the meeting with Hayono, the Malaysians also discussed fund-raising from sticker sales.

Hayono said: "The private sector is involved in raising SEA Games funds, including by selling stickers."

He also said efficiency was important given the depreciation of the rupiah against the dollar.

"But you must not worry because all venues and competition facilities, including for the press, will be prioritized," he said. (yan)