RI could host events despite political issues

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)