SBY says all parties must put sports first

SBY says all parties must put sports first

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

With the new sports law only three days old, President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono called on all elements of society on Friday to
pitch in to achieve sporting success.

The President, addressing the ceremony for the commemoration
of the 22nd National Sports Day in Senayan, Central Jakarta,
celebrated the role of sports in character building through such
sporting qualities of mental strength and agility, health, skill
development, living in unity and a sense of competition.

"The key for sports progression and performance is to love
sports," said the self-declared sports lover, who has been
photographed playing volleyball and doing calisthenics with his
presidential guard since taking office last year.

But Susilo said the government could not be expected to go it
alone in organizing and funding sports events when dealing with
poverty remained a major issue.

Sports events must be used to help spur the economy through
related promotional activities, including tourism, he added.

"Don't let each competition go by without providing an impact
and opportunities to improve the economy. I expect the economic
activity will involve small and medium enterprises through the
display of sports merchandise in every tournament."

Susilo, who turned 56 on Friday, said it would take
unrelenting efforts, courage and patience to develop sports.

The sports law, first proposed when the office of the state
minister of youth and sports affairs was set up in 1983, was
stuck in the legislature for eight years before it was passed on
Tuesday.

It has been hailed as a start in improving the nation's
declining sports fortunes, especially with the lack of attention
in previous administrations.

Susilo encouraged all provincial branches of sports
organizations to strive to improve their athletes' performance,
as well as supporting those no longer competing.

"The state minister of youth and sports affairs and minister
of social affairs are here, so let us join together in thinking
of ways to improve the welfare of former athletes, especially the
elders who represented Indonesia in international events in the
past."

Susilo presented medals for outstanding contributions to
athletes, coaches, officials and education institutions.

Karateka Umar Syarif, badminton player Luluk Hadiyanto and
motor racer Ananda Mikola were among 21 athletes receiving the
Parama Krida Utama.

Coaches, referees and sports officials were among the 17
recipients of the Adi Manggalya Krida medals, while eight
universities and private companies were awarded the Piala
Sanggraha Krida.

The highest award was reserved for Athens Olympic and world
badminton champion Taufik Hidayat, who received the Bintang Jasa
Utama for extraordinary service to the nation.

Syamsul Anwar Harahap, a 1970s boxing champion who is now a TV
and newspaper columnist, was among those who received a yearlong
scholarship to visit athletes nationwide.

"I consider the President's commitment to be extraordinary,"
said Syamsul. "He is also a sportsman in volleyball so he knows
the positive benefits of sports, not only in having a good
physique but also in a sporting attitude and a fighting spirit."
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