RI could host events despite political issues

JAKARTA (JP): The worsening economic condition and the heating up of the political situation have always been the main reason for canceling sports events in the country.

But Australian Reginald Brandis still believes that Indonesia could still host some events with a guarantee for the athletes' safety, from their arrival to their departure.

"The political situation in many countries has always been a consideration. But I think it is not a barrier to stage competitions as long as the organizers are able to guarantee the athletes', officials' and the supporters' safety," he told The Jakarta Post.

Brandis gave his lecture at the four-day "Basic Competition Management Seminar" staged by the International Amateur Athletics Federation Regional Development Center in Jakarta which finished on Thursday.

In his lecture, Brandis pointed out that organizers must follow basic principles to be able to arrange a competition.

"In staging a competition, the organizers should understand the basic principles of good planning, leaving enough time for preparation, organizing people and places and also scheduling."

Speaking on the ability of Asian countries in staging some international events, Brandis cited Kuala Lumpur's success in hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

"Kuala Lumpur managed to stage such an incredible event. I believe other countries could also do the same.

"As for track and field events, the Asian Amateur Athletics Federation (AAAF) has set up an interesting series of competitions. It only needs a certain country to say 'yes, we'll host the event' to run the competition.

"Some countries may turn down an offer to host an event due to financial problems or lack of preparation by organizers.. but they could start with local events. Once they had begun, they would improve."

Brandis also encouraged organizers to start inviting countries from outside the region to compete in the event.

"By having other countries in the competition, it would raise the standard of regular participants in the event," said the competition director for the Australian track and field body in Brisbane.

Eighteen participants from 16 countries joined the seminar which was also attended by AAAF secretary general Maurice Nicholas. (yan)