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." (004)